I have finally reached a point were I want out of my marriage. I have been married 16 years, but unhappy for the last 6 or so years. We have had a really rough 2 years and i have tried to stay, thinking things will get better. He has always been a controlling, jealous person. When he doesn't get his way, he resorts to screaming and insulting. He will call me every name he can think of and when that doesn't seem to have its desired effect, he insults every thing I have ever done or said that he doesn't agree with. I have 2 children that he has started to verbally abuse, also.
He has threatened to hit me a few times in the past, but has not followed thru, yet. Instead, he has broke pictures and punched walls. I have placed a lawyer on retainer, but have been afraid to have the papers filed because I am afraid of his reaction.
The few friends I have tell me to file the papers and file a PFA at the same time. Can I file a PFA based on verbal threats? He hasn't threatened me recently. I had the police at my house once because I was truely afraid he would hit me. He has been on his best behavior for the last 2 months, but he's "due" for one of his temper tantrums. I don't know if I can take any more.