If I am fleeing an abusive relationship does that mean I can pay less or avoid alimony all together? I have good documentation of physical and emotional abuse. Also I was essentially abandoned. Came home one day and my bags were packed and the door lock changed with no preceeding incident. Legally does this make a difference in affecting things like alimony or equitable distribution? I assume it would have to go to trial which would be nasty and expensive. Trying to avoid this.