Often, divorce cases due to domestic violence can be heartbreaking for both partners in the marriage. Many times in Illinois, domestic violence happens because of an incident that goes out of hand. This forces both partners to reevaluate their relationship and determine what would be best for both parties. One high-profile couple, football player Chad Johnson and his estranged wife, Evelyn Lozada, appear to be struggling with this situation now.

The pair married on the 4th of July. Last month, Lozada reported that Johnson had allegedly head-butted her during a dispute, which gave her a 3-inch gash on her forehead. This incident led to Johnson to being arrested, though he later was released. Shortly after this incident, Lozada filed for divorce under the claim that the marriage was irretrievably broken.

In a statement about the matter, Lozada said she hopes the best for Johnson and desires that he can overcome the troubles that are causing him to act in this way. She also says she hopes that by filing for divorce she may be a good role model for other victims suffering from domestic violence who may feel trapped in their marriage to take a stand.

Johnson seems to be taking a hard hit from this divorce filing. He has reportedly refused to sign the divorce settlement and is supposedly trying to win Lozada back.

As this couple goes through these various struggles, they are faced with trying to come up with a mutual agreement. As many Illinois couples know, domestic violence can break a marriage. Wending one's way through such an ordeal, and helping shield children (if there are any) from the possible conflict, should not be undertaken without the help of experienced, attentive legal help.

Source: Fox News Latino, "Chad Johnson Refuses to Sign Divorce Docs, Report Says," Sept. 10, 2012