It is possible for a divorce to end amicably. When this happens, it is not unusual for the former partners to move on with their lives or focus on raising their kids in the best environment possible.
However, some marriages end with lots of animosities and bad blood. If this is the case with your situation, you might wonder whether obtaining a protective order against your soon-to-be ex is a good idea. This is a big deal since it can greatly limit the other party’s ability to move around freely and even interact with their child. Here are three questions you need to ask when arriving at the decision to obtain a protective order against your spouse.
Is your spouse harassing you?
Divorce can be exceptionally difficult, especially if you are dealing with a narcissist. If your estranged spouse is stalking you, sending threatening or angry messages or basically ruining your peace of mind, then you may need to obtain a protective order against them. You have the right to live a harassment-free life, be it in-person or online.
Is your spouse abusive?
You need to take any form of abuse (physical or psychological) that is directed toward you or your children extremely seriously. If your spouse is abusive, you can obtain a protective order that bars them from coming into contact with you or the children. A protective order that is inspired by abuse can also prohibit your spouse from owning a firearm or contacting you in any way.
A protective order is not something to be taken lightly. However, if your spouse is endangering your life and that of your children, this can be an important step toward a safe and successful future.