Divorcing An Alcoholic: How To Leave An Alcoholic Spouse

List all the complaints, criticisms, and disagreements you can recall. Any relationship requires mutual trust, respect, forgiveness, and love to have a chance at succeeding, and when you’re in a relationship with an addict, these core elements are tested. Maybe you previously suggested rehab or counseling, only to be met with ridicule or denial. Alcoholics need to be ready to accept help for it to make an impact, but at the very least, your concerns should be taken seriously.

1. Ultimately, the goal of collaborative divorce or mediation is to find a resolution that is fair and equitable for both parties, while also addressing the unique challenges posed by alcoholism.
2. In this challenging time, it’s crucial to prioritize the needs and feelings of your children.
3. That way, if your spouse tries to make any unusual or large withdrawals, the bank may contact you for authorization first.
4. This may include limiting or monitoring their contact with the children until they seek treatment for their addiction.
5. They may experience codependency or be severely affected by the instability and conflict that alcoholism brings into the family dynamic.

A map for changing your behaviors—and, perhaps, your spouse’s mind.

For more resources and support groups that you can physically attend, Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous offer local chapters where you can get the support and guidance you need. These are not just for the one struggling with addiction but for their family. Many children of alcoholics report feelings of depression and anxiety, and research shows they are more likely to have self-esteem issues. As a parent, we have to have our children’s best interests at heart. Children who grow up in a household where alcohol is abused are 50% more likely to develop an addiction later in their lives. It’s hard enough being married to someone who abuses alcohol.

Being married to an alcoholic can make the other spouse feel depressed, hopeless, and alone. In this section, we’ll provide strategies for managing joint bank accounts and credit cards during a divorce. We’ll discuss the importance of closing these accounts as soon as possible, so that you’re not held responsible for any future charges or debts.

Protecting Your Finances

Courts may order drug and alcohol testing and impose restrictions based on the results to ensure the child’s safety. Evidence of recovery efforts, such as ongoing treatment or support group attendance may also influence the court’s decision. When one parent is struggling with addiction during a divorce, it’s important to prioritize your children’s well-being and provide them with emotional support. This may include finding a therapist or support group for children of divorced parents or seeking advice from a family law attorney who specializes in child custody cases involving addiction. It’s also important to document any incidents or behaviors that raise concerns about your spouse’s ability to provide adequate care for your children.

Every family faces different challenges, but taking small, careful steps helps. A loving, stable environment makes all the difference for children. The court might require the parent to stay sober to see their child. If the parent proves they are sober and responsible, they may earn more time with the child. If a parent has a history of heavy drinking, the court might order supervised visits. This implies that when a parent spends time with a child, another adult must be there.

How can I help my children cope with the divorce process when one parent is struggling with addiction?

In this case, the court won’t consider AUD grounds for separation. While your spouse works on getting better, remember to focus on your well-being. Make time to care for yourself and engage in activities that make you happy. Lean on friends, family, or a support group if you need encouragement.

How Do You Prove Alcoholism in Court?

Understanding how alcoholism plays a role in divorce proceedings is crucial for protecting your rights and the well-being of your family. Third, alcoholism is strange bedfellow with domestic violence. WHO estimates that 55% of domestic abusers had been drinking alcohol before the assault. If there is physical abuse, domestic violence or intimidation How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System A Comprehensive Guide in your marriage, you may need to take extra steps to protect yourself and your children during the divorce process. You may need to get a restraining order/protective order, seek sole child custody during your separation or take other legal action to keep yourself and your children safe.