A former state representative from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has recently had marital problems that led him to the courtroom and then to jail. The divorce process could be complex because there are many past issues to consider, such as alleged domestic violence, drunk driving, extra-marital affairs and child custody arrangements. The representative’s wife has gotten a court order to protect her from potential abuse, so the couple will not have any contact with one another before the court proceedings take place.
The former state representative pleaded guilty in January for the domestic incident against his wife. According to reports, the wife grabbed her husband’s cell phone because she believed he was e-mailing another woman. That action is what reportedly prompted the man to become physical with her. He has also pleaded guilty to driving drunk shortly after the altercation with his wife and is serving jail time for that offense.
The woman in this incident filed for divorce from her husband back in June. The request for the protective order was filed a couple of months later. The divorce matter between the two is still ongoing, but the judge in the case has indicated that the children the couple share from their 10-year marriage remains his priority.
For much of the divorce process, the former Pennsylvania politician has been denied any contact with his wife or children. The judge has recently indicated that he wants to make all of the child custody matters work out as smoothly as possible under the circumstances. The best interests of the children are typically the primary concern in such matters. Other Pennsylvania couples who find themselves dealing with similar situations may wish to make sure they fully understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to child custody negotiations, especially if domestic abuse has been alleged.
Source: Allentown Morning Call, “Joe Brennan reaches agreement with wife who requested protection from abuse,” Patrick Lester, Feb. 12, 2013
