MID-MISSOURI LEGAL SERVICES SUCCESS STORY

Client requested help from Mid-Missouri Legal Services because her husband was physically and verbally abusing her and their three children.  Her husband isolated her at home and would not allow her to visit or have a relationship with family or friends.  He accused her of having affairs and wasting his income, even though she had no opportunity to ever leave their rural, isolated home.  He began beating her and frequently hit the children, sometimes in the head.  MMLS obtained orders of protection for the mother and children, and it also filed a divorce/custody action at the client's request.  The Court appointed a guardian ad litem to determine the extent of the abuse and the best interests of the child.  The Court granted sole custody to the mother.