Divorce attorneys with the Columbus, Ohio, family law firm Edward F. Whipps & Associates have advanced education and training in psychology because we have seen over and over again that psychological disorders often lie at the heart of marital problems and difficulties with raising children. One of the best first steps a man or woman who believes their marriage cannot be saved because their partner is struggling with a mental illness or a personality disorder can take is to consult with a dedicated and caring divorce lawyer. Each case presents unique challenges for the spouses, sons, daughters, and other family members involved, but doing the following things also always makes sense. 

Ensure Your Own Safety 

Only a small minority of people with diagnosable psychological disorders make threats or act violently, but no spouse or child should live in fear and at risk. Moving out, finding temporary shelter, securing protective orders, and taking extra precautions to protect your privacy may be necessary before, during, or after a divorce. A lawyer can help with each of these. 

Arrange for Psychological Evaluations 

Diagnoses and opinions from health care providers and counselors can support claims that a spouse’s uncontrolled psychological disorder has broken the marriage beyond saving. When a person refuses to undergo psychological evaluations voluntary, a skilled divorce attorney will know how to secure a court order that compels the husband or wife to meet with psychologists and social workers. 

Collect and Present Evidence of How the Psychological Disorder Has Caused Problems 

Police reports, statements from friends and family members, medical records other than the results of psychological evaluations conducted as part of the divorce proceeding, and even video and audio recordings can all support claims that a spouse’s psychological disorder has made staying married impossible. A divorce attorney who has helped many clients in similar situations can sort through all the available evidence and put together a clear story that supports the request to have a judge end the marriage. 

When staying married to a person who suffers from a psychological disorder no longer seems possible, reach out to the divorce lawyers at Edward F. Whipps & Associates. You can schedule an appointment at our Columbus or Dublin, Ohio, offices by calling (614) 461-6006 or by completing this online conduct form.