Fighting Domestic Violence In Court

           Ms. Elissa Lomax is a young wife who suffered physical abuse by her husband starting one month after their wedding.  One night, he choked, assaulted, and raped her.  When he finally passed out the next morning, Ms. Lomax escaped to a neighbor who drove her to a friend's house where they contacted the police.  A police officer advised Ms. Lomax to seek legal assistance for a protective order.  

           Ms. Lomax contacted GLSP.  A GLSP lawyer obtained a protective order for her and at Ms. Lomax's request, also filed for divorce.  Just before the final divorce hearing, her husband contested the divorce asserting that as a new immigrant,

Ms. Lomax had no right to file in Georgia courts, and that she had lied about the abuse in order to gain legal immigration status.  The court rejected her husband's claims and granted Ms. Lomax her divorce.

           Ms. Lomax is employed, remarried and has given birth to her first child.  She contacted the GLSP lawyer to express gratitude for her help.

          Read more about the Georgia Legal Services Program in the 2007 Annual Report by clicking here.