Golfer Lucas Glover’s Wife Arrested in Florida: Family Law Implications

National headlines were made when the wife of former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover was arrested for domestic violence battery and resisting arrest in St. Johns County, Florida on May 13, 2018.  The altercation allegedly occurred after Lucas Glover missed the 54-hole cut at The Players Championship.  Lucas Glover told authorities that his wife gets violent every time he does not play well in a major PGA Tournament.  There were allegedly visible injuries on Lucas Glover and his mother.  Krista Glover faces a court date on May 31, 2018 and was released on a $2,500 bond.

The Glovers children were present at the home when the incident happened.  Krista Glover had been drinking throughout the day and started yelling profane insults at Lucas Glover in front of their children and his mother.  Lucas Glover told her to stop the argument while in front of the children.  The children were in bed when the physical altercation happened, and it is unknown if they observed any of the altercation or the subsequent arrest afterwards where Krista Glover allegedly resisted arrest. The couple was married in 2012 and have two children, a two-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.

The consequences of arguments in front of the children can be serious to both the aggressor and the victim.  The Florida Department of Children and Families may become involved if they receive an abuse report to investigate regarding the situation, which could even lead to possible removal of the children from both parties if it is alleged Lucas Glover failed to protect the children from multiple instances.  Also, it is key that alcohol was involved.  Drinking is perfectly legal and acceptable; as long as there is not a demonstrable effect on the children.  If there is a demonstrable effect on the children, alcohol treatment would most likely be ordered by a dependency court.

Another consequence could be a divorce action where Krista Glover might only be allowed to visit with her children supervised.  Lucas Glover would also have cause to file a domestic violence injunction to force his wife to vacate the marital home and have no contact with him and, quite possibly, the children.  Lucas Glover’s mother would also have a possible domestic violence injunction action. If an injunction was granted, Krista Glover might have to complete a 26-week batterers intervention program class.

Most importantly, observing domestic violence can have long-lasting and scarring effects on children that can affect them into adulthood.  It may cause them to become domestic violence aggressors on their spouse or loved one due to witnessing it in childhood.  Counseling for the children may be ordered by a dependency or family court to address those issues.

Being arrested for domestic battery can have long-lasting effects on you criminally and in family court. See our blog about the criminal law implications here.  Navigating the family law courts in Florida requires an experienced Jacksonville family attorney.  Contact the Law Office of David M. Goldman, PLLC for a consultation.

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