^{_{This guide is educational and for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not intended as legal advice.}}

How to Leave an Abusive Marriage

Leaving an abusive marriage can feel overwhelming and terrifying—but you are not alone, and there is help available. At the Law Offices of Andrew F. Scott and Associates PLLC, we help clients across Whidbey Island, including Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Langley and Freeland, and the San Juan Islands, including Friday Harbor, Eastsound, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw Island find a safe path out of abusive relationships and build a better future.

If you are searching for how to leave an abusive marriage in Washington State or if you are looking for a divorce attorney with experience getting clients away from abusive spouses, this guide is for you.

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Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can also contact the Citizens Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse (CADA) crisis line at (360) 675-7057 in Island County, or SAFE San Juans at (360) 378-8680 in San Juan County. They offer emergency shelter, advocacy, and safety planning.

Before leaving an abusive spouse, consider:

• Packing a go-bag with essentials (ID, cash, medications, important documents)
• Turning off location sharing on your devices
• Keeping your plans confidential—only share with trusted individuals
• Using a safe phone or computer (not shared with your spouse)
• Creating an email address your spouse doesn’t have access to for secure communications with your lawyer

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Step 2: Seek Legal Protection

In Washington State, you can file for a Protection Order. This court order can:

• Remove the abuser from your shared home
• Prevent them from contacting you and/or your children
• Provide temporary custody and support orders

Our Whidbey Island divorce attorneys can help you file for protection and represent you at the hearing, often on short notice. If you need someone who will listen, call (360) 331-7101 today or securely text us at (360) 317-2450.

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Step 3: File for Divorce

Once you are safe, filing for divorce is the next legal step. In abusive marriages, Washington law allows you to seek:

• Temporary restraining orders to protect you and your children during the divorce
• Sole custody of your children, especially if abuse has occurred
• Spousal support (alimony) if you’ve been financially dependent

Our firm is experienced in helping victims of domestic violence file for divorce in Island County and can guide you through the legal process with compassion and discretion.

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Step 4: Know Your Rights

In Washington State, abuse—whether physical, sexual, emotional, or financial—can impact child custody, property division, and spousal support. Our attorneys are skilled in uncovering patterns of control, gathering evidence, and advocating for you in court.

We work with local advocates, therapists, and support networks to help you not just survive, but rebuild.

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Step 5: Reach Out for Help

You do not have to navigate this alone. If you’re wondering where to start, we are here to help and only a text message away at  (360) 317-2450.

Call (360) 331-7101 or email us at attorneys@whidbey.com for a confidential consultation.

We serve clients in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Clinton, Langley, and all of Island County.

We are also available for clients looking for a divorce attorney on Orcas Island, Shaw Island, Lopez Island, San Juan Island and anywhere else in the San Juans.

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You Deserve to Be Safe

Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest and bravest steps you can take. With the right legal help, you can protect yourself and your family. Let our Whidbey Island divorce lawyers stand beside you every step of the way.