Photo not that of the actual client
“Soraya,” 54, is permanently disabled and unable to work. Her husband, a truck driver, is also her abuser. He threatened to take away her home and her citizenship if she asked for alimony. Soraya speaks only Spanish and was terrified to go to trial. She is a citizen, and it took her a long time to understand that her husband cannot take her citizenship away from her. Michelle Broyles, division chief of JALA’s Family Law & Victim Advocacy Unit, negotiated a settlement at mediation where Soraya receives the marital home, including all the contents and equity, and does not have to refinance the mortgage. She also keeps her car and will receive permanent alimony. Her husband gets to keep his truck. Soraya is overjoyed to start her new life free from abuse.
