Mallory and Nelson exchanged their vows in 2007 and were married until 2023. During their marriage, Nelson exhibited abusive behavior and engaged in illegal activities. Tragically, their 11-year-old grandson experienced severe trauma due to Nelson’s actions, which contributed to serious health issues, including seizures. Mallory didn’t think twice. She needed an escape, and this was it.
Mallory contacted Lone Star Legal Aid to help her with her divorce from her husband, Nelson, after learning that he had sexually abused their grandchild. LSLA Managing Attorney Reagan Campbell advised Mallory that she could file for divorce on the grounds of cruelty, as Texas law recognizes cruelty as a valid reason for divorce when one spouse’s treatment of the other is excessive, abusive, or harmful, making continued cohabitation unsafe or unbearable.
Attorney Campbell provided additional resources, advised Mallory to call the police if Nelson continued to harass her, and suggested she apply for food stamps. Since Mallory and Nelson did not jointly own any assets, such as a car or house, the court awarded our client sole ownership of all property already in her name.
Mallory and her family have now moved forward, free from Nelson, and can focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.
*Names have been changed to protect the client’s identity.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org