Legal Question in Family Law in New York

help?!

I am, and have been, married to an alcoholic for 20 years. I believe the alcoholism is secondary, and the paramount issue(s) to be that of a sociopath, narcissistic personality disorder. My children (16 & 18) are obviously scarred and scared. I have attempted to divorce him twice w/ retaining fee's over 100,000.00. He refuses to attend the court dates and when 'forced' to, he is either totally drunk or maniacally threatening, to the point of my 1st lawyer refusing the case. I've run out of money and have no other means of income aside from him. He has total control over all 3 of us, like dangling a carrot in front of a horse. How can I get away from him and still receive monies to support us? What is the 'Baker Act'? He claims he will be happy to go to jail for the rest of his life, whereas we will get absolutely nothing, period.


Asked on 7/24/08, 6:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Re: help?!

Q. How can I get away from him and still receive monies to support us?

A. If you are not already divorced, you can leave and file a petition in Family Court for support for you and your children. There are many agencies in New York that will help an abused spouse.

Q. What is the 'Baker Act'?

A. There is no Baker Act in New York. There is a Baker Act in Florida that deals with involuntary outpatient placement legislation.

Mike.

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Answered on 7/25/08, 8:56 am


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