Maira and her husband, Charlesh, married in Pakistan in 2013 and later built a life in the United States with their two children. At first, things looked promising—they obtained work, secured green cards, and planned for U.S. citizenship. But once in Texas, Charlesh’s behavior turned controlling and abusive.
He isolated Maira, cut her off from financial independence, and forced her to give up her career despite her education and professional skills. He manipulated her immigration status to maintain control, threatening to revoke her green card if she resisted. Over time, his verbal abuse escalated into physical violence.
When Maira tried to seek help, Charlesh coerced her into signing unfamiliar legal documents—later revealed to be waivers that stripped her of her rights and gave him full control in divorce and custody matters. After one particularly volatile dispute, Maira fled to a women’s shelter, cut off from her children and unable to communicate with them.
Desperate, she reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA). Staff Attorney Cheranda Robertson reviewed her case and immediately began working to undo the coerced agreements. Robertson explained that Maira was entitled to far more under Texas law: joint managing conservatorship of her children, a standard possession order including holidays, and restrictions preventing Charlesh from removing the children from their community.
To strengthen her case, Robertson helped Maira identify witnesses who could testify to the abuse. She also guided her through mediation, negotiating for custody protections, debt responsibility to fall on Charlesh, a lump-sum payment, and return of her personal property.
“Maira got the custody orders she wanted, all debt awarded to Charlesh, and financial support to help her move forward,” Robertson said. “I’m proud of the agreement we reached for her, and I feel her life is off to a great new start.”
For Maira, the outcome meant safety, stability, and the ability to begin rebuilding her life free from abuse. In her own words:
“I have been totally afraid of him for years. My husband forced me to sign documents, and I had no choice but to sign. Your help is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you.”
*Name(s) have been changed to protect the client’s identity.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org