A married couple was found dead in their home earlier this month in Oceanside in northern San Diego County. The deaths are being called a murder-suicide, attributed to the upcoming finality of a pending divorce. According to a neighbor, the couple had been married for seven years when the wife filed for divorce, ostensibly because she had found someone else to be with. The divorce was to be final next month, according to the neighbor. Police went to check on the residence at the request of a member of the family. They found the wife dead on the floor and the husband hanging from a chandelier nearby.
Divorce is often a stressful experience for both parties involved, and depending upon the reason for the divorce and the way the proceedings are handled, the divorce process can generate intense anger or animosity on the part of one or both spouses. Unfortunately, these feelings sometimes give rise to violence, which can occur when the couple first decides to divorce, during separation or even post-divorce.
California domestic violence laws can protect spouses and ex-spouses from abuse or violence. A temporary restraining order (TRO) can be issued to keep an alleged abuser from having contact with an alleged victim, including requiring a spouse to move out of the house. If you suspect that your spouse may become violent due to pending divorce proceedings or that he or she is in such a distraught emotional state that you fear for your safety or your spouse’s, seek advice from your lawyer or the courts. You can also call 9-1-1 or a Domestic Violence Hotline such as (619) 304-9769 or (619) 304-9769 in San Diego if you feel you are in immediate danger and need help or a safe place for you and your children.
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