How to Leave My Husband

Updated on July 06, 2011
L.J. asks from Colorado Springs, CO
9 answers

If you have read any of my previous posts (from a different account that was deleted) you probably remember how screwed up my marriage and life is right now.
Many of you have told me i need to leave my husband and now i really do want to. i mean REALLY. i have tried to make things better and its just not working. i would rather get out now, than 5 years down the road when everything is 10x worse
except i dont know what to do, or how to do it, or how i will get by when i cant seem to get a job, and the only job i will be able to get will probably be minimum wage. if i leave or divorce him, i want my daughter. and if i dont at least have a job, i probably wont get her.
To be perfectly honest i would just love to pack up and leave with my daughter, move somewhere else and never see him again. but i dont think thats possible.
First of off he is in the military, and i have NO idea how to find the legal aid office on base to talk to a lawyer about getting separated or divorced, or what my options are and what will happen to me if i go through with this. i have tried googling it, but i just cant seem to find it. or if the military will favor him over me, and pretty much screw me over to give him what he wants.
Also, i have no family and only a couple acquaintances in this area. if i leave him or get separated i have nowhere to go and noone to help me. and i will need help, because i have absolutely NOTHING to my name. no money, no car (even though we have two) i think the apartment and utilities might actually be in my name, but its useless when i have no job and no money to pay for anything, My family wont be much help anyways, i have tried asking my mother for help to leave him and that i just cant take it anymore but she just keeps telling me she wont help me, and that if i want to leave him i have to do it all on my own.
Basically, i have no idea how to do this, or how i will survive this all on my own. I have been trying to get a job the past couple weeks to get a head start on being independent but i havent been able to get one. And i am scared.

edit: This is my old account. http://www.mamapedia.com/public_profile/25675590006903275...

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E.J.

answers from Lincoln on

Oh I wish I had some great advice for you. I had to leave mine 5 years ago as he was a cheater and emotionally and physically abusive. It was probably the scariest thing I ever had to do. I had my parents to support me and I lived w/them for 3 months before I could get an income based apartment. A quote that helped me get through the tough times is, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice that you have"

I am also reading a GREAT book (if you are a reader) called, "Cutting Loose: Why Women Who End Their Marriages Do So Well" By Ashton Applewhite. It is great for helping deal with the coping of divorce and covers a wide spectrum of types of divorces. It is really helping me feel empowered.

Remember that you CAN do this. You just need to figure out how and I wish that I could tell you how. You CAN do this and you deserve a life that empowers you to be who you are. I wish you the best of luck and I wish I had more advice for you. Stay strong and you will get through this. Best BEST of luck to you!!!!

4 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Well...I can't say I know the circumstances (new account--no history to look back on) but I would advice you to call a local womens shelter and I'll bet they would have much advice and resources for you to tap. Best of luck!

4 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

You are at Peterson AFB? Call the base operator and ask for the JAG office. Explain to them what is going on. However, since you are not AD - they will probably refer you to the local courts where you can contact the court clerk and ask for guidance.

The military has NO BEARING on a divorce. The ONLY time they would is if he is deployed - then no action can be taken against him...

If you haven't been married for at least half of his time in service - you will not be entitled to his retirement pay.

As his dependent - your daughter will have medical insurance until she is of age (18) or he gets out of the military - which ever comes first.

If your family won't help you - then you need to contact a local W.'s shelter to help you. If your husband is abusing you - I hope you have proof - as then the military will take action against him as well....

You can get a job - it might be a glamorous job - but with hard work - you can do anything. Get your resume together...start applying for jobs and following up. If you don't have a college degree - that's okay. Most jobs require at least a GED or HS diploma.

There are many options open to you - please inbox me...I know people in C-Springs who might be able to help you.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from Spokane on

I don't think the military would favor him, I just finished reading some of your old posts. The military, as a general rule, is big on respect both on the job and at home. They offer free counseling services and I believe legal help. Definitely find someone on base who can give you the information you need - just call any number and ask to be tranferred to family services. Go to the front gate and ask for a map with directions to family services, walk to the chapel and talk to the chaplain, he/she can definitely help you find the phone numbers and people you need.
If you were to get a divorce, the military is also very good about making sure all child support/alimony is being paid, they take it right out of the paycheck.
I was also seeing all your posts about your daughters sleep issues and behaviors that you want to correct (hitting) - these will not go away until she is living in a healthy environment. If you feel afraid, and like you just can't do this for you, do it for her.
I am all about honoring the commitment of marriage, and have the opinion that children are better off in a home with two loving parents, but in a case like yours, this is not a home with two loving parents. This is a nightmare. Get out, and use all the resources available to you, that is why they are there.

3 moms found this helpful

B.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi
I remember you and so glad you are back on here.
The best to do is to call your local women's shelter. They will give you immediate help,a place for you and your child to stay and will give you all the legal advise you need once you get there.
Call the shelter asap and wishing you the best of luck.
B. k

1 mom found this helpful

D.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Call a church in your area. Call a few different ones. Churches are supposed to be there for people in need. That is their desire to help people who are WILLING TO HELP THEMSELVES. At least that is how it is at our church. A lot of times they have funds set aside to help out. Stepping out of the familiar is scary, but the you get over it. Seriously call some churches. Trying to think not sure these site can help out not, but it can't hurt to call them. http://www.focusonthefamily.com/
Head up, smile on your face, and move forward.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.L.

answers from San Antonio on

I agree with the other ladies, contact JAG. Also, have you heard of military one source? They are a free source to all military and dependants. They have great resources and will pay for free counceling (if needed).

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B..

answers from Dallas on

I am not familiar with how the military works, but I think you should call a domestic violence shelter. They help woman leave all the time. Here is a resource near you.

http://www.tessacs.org/

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D.T.

answers from Muncie on

You could try locating your base's chaplain, he/she may be able to help you.

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