my legal rights?

[wantfreedom]

As briefly as possible; I live in Colorado, married 18+ years, have endured verbal abuse, controlling husband and one incident of physical abuse when I called police and they made him spend the night away from home. He won't leave and threatens my life if I try to divorce him.....children are grown and married. All money is in joint accounts. Can I leave our home and take enough money to find my own place while pursuing a divorce? Can I stay in our home and do anything to make him leave? Can I take enough money to pay a lawyer to start the process?
My preference is staying in my home, near my friends and family, but without a restraining order making him leave, it seems impossible. What are my alternatives?

 

[Tigres]

Babe, go see an attorney! If they can't help you out with staying in the house, the attorney will at least be able to get a temp. restraining order based on him threatening your life!

You are lucky the money is in joint accounts, most controllers will use the money to control their spouse as well.

Just be aware you may have to account for the money later, but for now, there is nothing stopping you from taking a reasonable sum. Try to be fair or it will look the worse for you should your divorce go before a judge.

Go have a few free consultations with attorneys. My favorite tip for picking an attorney is to go to court and watch them in action if possible. See what they advise about the money and possibly having him removed from the marital home.

Tig