Chicago Woman and Mother Wins Temporary Child Support after Battle with Court in Domestic Violence Case

The story of a Chicago woman and mothers fight for temporary child support after she sought an order of protection against her boyfriend for domestic violence shows not just her strength and resilience in the face of extremely challenging circumstances, but demonstrates to Chicago parents facing domestic violence that they have rights and options under Illinois laws. According to CBS News, Chicago mother Enidt Martinez found herself in a nearly impossible situation as a mother of two young children facing domestic abuse by her boyfriend. The situation was even more untenable for Martinez because she was also being financially abused by her boyfriend. She wanted to leave him, but she “felt financially trapped” and was uncertain how she would pay for things like rent, food, or daycare for her two children if she left him. Martinez said of the financial abuse and the domestic abuse she was facing, “He would not let me go to work. But then, when bills started coming, he was like, go get a job…If I didn’t get a job, it was wrong. If I got a job, it was wrong.” She added that the “last straw” came when her boyfriend punched her in the face and arm while she was holding their 9-month-old daughter. At that point, Martinez obtained an order of protection.

However, the case does not stop there. Martinez also sought temporary child support when she filed her domestic violence protection order papers. Under Illinois laws, judges overseeing domestic violence protection order cases must also consider granting the victim temporary child support. In Martinez’s case, the Cook County judge refused to even consider her request. Instead, Martinez was told she would have to file a separate case in the Domestic Violence Division, which is not a court meant for emergency relief, and does not “have the kind of speed a survivor needs to get out.”

With the assistance of her legal team, Martinez was eventually able to get temporary child support in her case. Her legal team filed an appeal in her case, stating that the judge had failed to follow Illinois laws. With her strength, courage, and persistence in fighting for her rights, Martinez shows other domestic violence victims to keep fighting to get out of domestic violence situations, even if there is also financial abuse. Martinez said of the case, “Everything with the process is scary…But at the end of the day, you will get your help that you need, you will, and it’s going to be the best feeling ever.”

If you are in the Chicago area and you are facing domestic violence, contact the experienced Chicago domestic violence lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help victims of domestic violence get justice and protection in their domestic violence cases. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your rights and options today. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

cbsnews.com/chicago/news/enidt-martinez-domestic-physical-financial-abuse-victim-fights-back/