Q: Worried about custody after no-contact order ends with husband (IN)
I'm concerned about what to do after a 10-day no-contact order with my husband ends, as I fear he might try to take our young daughter out of the house. He previously attempted to drag me out of the car while our toddler watched. I haven't filed for custody or a protection order yet, but I'm considering both options. There is a history of previous incidents, and I have called the authorities a few times. My husband has several DUIs, and I don't currently have legal representation.
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A:
vYour safety and your child’s well-being come first, so it’s important to act quickly and thoughtfully. If you fear that your husband may try to take your daughter or put her in danger after the no-contact order ends, you should strongly consider filing for a protection order that includes both you and your child. The court can issue a more extended order that restricts his contact and helps establish boundaries to keep you both safe.
You should also file for custody as soon as possible. Without a formal custody arrangement in place, both parents may have equal rights, which can make it harder to prevent him from taking the child. If you present evidence of past abuse, police involvement, and his DUI history, the court may grant you temporary custody while a longer-term arrangement is worked out.
Even without a lawyer, you can begin this process at your local courthouse—clerks can often provide the forms and explain the filing steps. Be sure to gather and keep records of past incidents, including police reports, text messages, or any documentation showing a pattern of harm or threats. Acting now can give you legal protections and peace of mind moving forward.
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