Since the process of getting a divorce is so stressful and emotionally charged, you may discover that you are living in fear of your ex-spouse stealing your belongings or physically assaulting you. If this is the case, then it is very important for you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and any children you may have living in your home.

Call the Authorities if You Are Threatened 

If you feel like your ex-spouse is going to harm you, your children, or your belongings, you should immediately leave and seek protection in a public place with friends or with family. If you do not feel safe enough to leave, or your property is being damaged, then you should call the police.

Additionally, you should understand the legal definition of domestic violence includes:

• kicking
• hitting
• pushing
• intimidation
• sexual assault
• stalking
• property destruction

If you are the victim of any of the above, then you should immediately contact law enforcement when you are safe to do so. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for additional advice and assistance locating resources that can help you.

Safeguard Your Electronics

If your ex-spouse is known for snooping through your electronics, then you should password protect your laptop, tablet, and phone. Additionally, when you are out of the house, you should place these items into a safe or keep them in another secure location. Electrical devices contain a lot of information that other people can use to terrorize or damage your life, so protecting your information during a tumultuous divorce is vital.

Secure Copies of Your Paper Records 

As you leave the marriage, or before if possible, you should find your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and obtain copies of all of your banking and financial records. You will need this information as the divorce process progresses and can lower the aggravation of trying to deal with a hostile spouse by taking all of the necessary information with you when you initially leave the home.

Obtain a Restraining Order if Necessary

Finally, you should speak with a divorce attorney, such as at http://kamesquire.com/, about the possibility of obtaining a restraining order from the courts to help motivate your ex-spouse to stay away from you. While the order alone cannot protect you from theft or violence, it does give the police an additional tool to use when there is a problem with your ex-spouse crossing the line.