What is the ruling on a marital relationship that has lasted 25 years, was characterized by verbal and physical abuse, and negatively affected the children, and what are the costs and procedures for filing for divorce?

The marital relationship should be characterized by kindness and good treatment. It is not permissible for a husband to insult or curse his wife, as this is not part of good companionship. The wife should calmly discuss the matter with her husband to remind him of the rulings of Islamic law, and to remind him of their children and their psychological well-being. If he does not respond, she can resort to the mediation of a relative. If he continues to refuse, she has the right to seek a divorce. If the husband refuses, she can complain to the judge to obtain her full rights (such as the dowry, maintenance, and compensatory gift). If the judge does not rule for divorce, she can resort to Khul' (dissolution of marriage), which means waiving some rights or paying a financial compensation to the husband in exchange for the divorce. Nevertheless, it is advisable to be patient and try to reform the husband and strive in supplicating for him, because patience in enduring harm may be better than divorce.