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Maryland Bill Would Make It Easier to Divorce a Violent Narcissist

angery narcissistic spouse

The Maryland House voted to pass a bill that would repeal language in Family Law that prohibits the use of domestic violence as evidence in divorce court. The bill would make it easier for Maryland residents to divorce abusive or violent narcissist spouses.

angery narcissistic spouseUnder current law, divorce courts may not consider district or circuit court orders or decisions during divorce proceedings. While abuse may be considered grounds for divorce, stalking and protective orders given in cases of physical abuse may not be considered.

Proponents of the bill say ignoring a spouse’s history of domestic violence puts survivors at risk.

Abusers are often manipulative of survivors in court, particularly narcissistic abusers. Under the new law, a judge would be permitted to use the spouse’s history of protective orders when making decisions in proceedings.

Legal experts say the new bill merely eliminates unnecessary or irrelevant language. The current law, they say, was written at a time when it was feared protective orders would be used as a grounds for divorce.

State lawmakers expanded protective orders in 1992, allowing more people to seek an order. The expansion also increased the duration of protective orders. Final protective orders may span 12 months or up to two years. Previously, orders would only last 30 days. At the time, lawmakers feared protective orders would be used as a way to get a quick and easy divorce.

Divorcing a Narcissistic Spouse

Under Maryland divorce law, certain conditions must be met before a divorce can be granted by the court: cruelty, 12-month separation or excessively violent conduct.

Judges likely have information about protective orders regarding individuals in divorce proceedings, but are currently unable to use these orders as evidence when making decisions.

Protective orders are highly relevant in divorce proceedings, legal experts say, particularly when addressing issues of child custody and visitation.

Maryland family law outlines relationship requirements that would permit individuals to petition the court for a protective order from an abuser. The court may issue temporary and/or final protective orders.

Abusers are prohibited from contacting, abusing or entering the home of the individuals named in the protective order. If the couple has children, the final order may permit temporary visitation immediately after the order is issued.

Final protective orders typically last 12 months, and require the defendant to surrender any firearms in his or her possession. In some cases, protective orders may last two years or for an indefinite amount of time, depending on the situation.

Experts in favor of the bill say it’s not uncommon for victims of domestic abuse to be killed by their abusers, and friends and family not know that the abuse was taking place. The new law would permit the use of protective orders as evidence during divorce proceedings, which may prevent such tragic instances.

According to a recent report from the Associated Press, temporary protective orders may be granted in Maryland, but only last for a maximum of seven days. A final hearing is then held. The temporary order also prohibits contact between the abuser and the survivors, and may be issued without a full court hearing.

The Micklin Law Group, LLC is a New Jersey law firm focusing exclusively on men’s rights & complex divorces. Attorney Brad Micklin was recently named to The National Advocates list of Top 100 attorneys from each state. Brad has experience working to help you divorce a narcissist. You can read more on this topic by visiting our divorce blog. To set up a consultation, call 973-562-0100.

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