Wife in abusive relationship wishes to escape; custody and automobile question
child custody attorney Maryland Aug 28, 2026
Location: Maryland A woman I know in an abusive relationship wants to leave but is afraid; they have two cars, reportedly both in the husband's name, but one used regularly to get to work by the wife. She said she help pay for the car partially in payments in the past; the first question is can she drive and take the car if she leaves for a shelter? The husband threatened to have her arrested for car theft and has scared her, saying he will call the police etc and have her deported (as she has a removal case pending but is being defended by an immigration firm, the date of the hearing is not for awhile). Can she take the car with her to the shelter? As marital property? SHe is afraid he will send the police after her. Also they have a son that is about 3-5 years old; she is afraid to take him with her as the husband threatened to have her charged with kidnapping; The shelter that will take her said they don't help with Restraining/Protective Orders; I thought the shelters knew these legal issues but they dont. How could someone help her with the restraining order? She is afraid she needs proof; she has taken photos and has affidavits of abusive behavior but is afraid the order. She called a legal volunteer service for divorce but they wont take her case until she is separated for four months. As of now she is living in a bad situation.
