(Photo not that of the actual clients.)
“Anaya” came to JALA desperate to protect her children from her ex-husband, who had abused not only them but also the family’s pets.
Her ex-husband had received majority custody of the children in the divorce. But he had since become increasingly violent, going so far as to shoot the family dog in front of the children and beat her son for refusing to bury the animal while it was still breathing. He also forced the children outside during a hurricane.
As a result of the abuse, Anaya’s daughter ran away, prompting the Florida Department of Children and Families to award Anaya custody of the children. That’s when she became aware of what was going on in her ex-husband’s house. Anaya immediately filed a petition for an injunction for protection, but her ex-husband denied the allegations.
With the help of her JALA attorney, however, Anaya was able to overcome his denial with evidence, including reports from the children’s social worker. The injunction was granted, and the children have been with Anaya ever since. It has been almost seven months, and they are thriving with their mother. The children are in counseling to deal with what they have been through, and both are happy doing well in school again.
