Author: Charles Frank

Divorcing An Alcoholic: How To Leave An Alcoholic Spouse

how to divorce an alcoholic

In this section, we’ll discuss the real cost of alcoholism and its impact on family finances. We’ll also talk about why it’s important to protect your financial assets during a divorce from an alcoholic spouse. By understanding these issues, you can make informed decisions about how to move forward and take care of yourself during this difficult time. Deciding to divorce an alcoholic spouse is never an easy choice, and it often involves a mix of emotions, guilt, and uncertainty.

Courts will often consider evidence of alcoholism when making custody decisions. While my views may seem harsh against people battling substance abuse, I believe their family members need profound support, especially if there are children involved. Navigating the legal aspects of divorcing an alcoholic can be overwhelming, which is why seeking legal advice is crucial. When divorcing an alcoholic, it’s important to understand the legal considerations that come into play.

how to divorce an alcoholic

The following is the table of contents on this guide to divorcing an alcoholic. Our firm handles divorce and family law cases in each of the seven Southern California counties. By assessing your emotional well-being, you can recognize areas that may require additional attention and support. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

You must do the preparations for a safe exit and have a support system in place to help you through the divorce process. As adults, we are not responsible for spending all our energy on keeping other people from destroying themselves… Chances are, you’ve spent years pouring your heart into your spouse and that’s commendable but you deserve your own life as well. Divorcing an alcoholic is very challenging because a person who is already dependent on alcohol will be more susceptible to other substance abuse and this may lead to aggression.

Co-parenting and Child Custody Issues

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone. Seeking the help of a skilled lawyer or therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time. They can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate fair agreements, and deal with the emotional toll of divorce from an alcoholic spouse.

  1. He won’t go to AA or otherwise seek help; he wants to do this on his own.
  2. This can make it difficult to persuade them to seek the help they need.
  3. The unique circumstances arising when you’re divorcing an alcoholic might seem overwhelming initially, but remember, you are doing this to protect your well-being and possible future happiness.
  4. Preparing for what life may look like after the divorce is a helpful exercise to engage in, so you aren’t caught off guard when the divorce is finalized.
  5. It is a fact that alcoholics cannot treat their own drinking problem no matter how much will power they have.
  6. The Marriage.com Editorial Team is a group of experienced relationship writers, experts, and mental health professionals.

Divorcing an alcoholic also means giving up on your vows and the person you used to love but this decision is necessary especially when the well- being of your family is at stake. Sadly, being with a person who suffers from alcoholism also means putting yourself and your children in danger. Alcoholism is a very common problem today especially among married couples. An alarming rise to alcoholism gave way to an increase in divorce application for the same cause. Speaking on behalf of your kid, having one safe, stable home during a divorce is critical, even if it isn’t fancy.

Finally, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the process, as divorcing an alcoholic can be legally complex and emotionally draining. Divorce is not an easy process let alone when alcohol abuse is involved. Reach out to friends, family, your family law attorney, therapist or a support group for guidance and emotional support.

Meet Your Lawyer:

Your soon-to-be ex might hide their habits by disappearing for long periods without explaining what they were doing or lying about how they’ve been spending money or time. High-functioning alcoholics, especially, may not seem problematic to those outside. Still, intimate partners often see the signs before others because of their proximity to their spouse. This can make it difficult for them to accept help from others, including spouses or partners trying to help them quit drinking.

It can be easy to get caught up in the present, especially when you have so much on your plate to deal with. Preparing for what life may look like after the divorce is a helpful exercise to engage in, so you aren’t caught off guard when the divorce is finalized. This is important as different divorce situations require a thorough approach for each one. Seeing your kids witnessing this everyday isn’t really the ideal family that we would want to have.

How can I protect my financial assets during a divorce from an alcoholic spouse?

By evaluating the consequences of living with an alcoholic, you can gain a clearer perspective on the impact it has had on your life and make informed decisions about your future. It’s important to note that the presence of these signs does not automatically mean your spouse is an alcoholic. However, if you observe these patterns consistently and they are causing significant distress in your relationship, it may be an indication that seeking professional help or considering divorce is necessary. It creeps in and ruins relationships, it lies, it’s tricky and plays with people’s minds. And, there is no cure for addiction, only management of the disease.

Family Code 2030 and Attorney’s Fees Orders in a Divorce

Inform your family members and friends about your decision and discuss with them about your situation. Always try to have a support system of friends and family members whom you can give a call during emergencies. You never know when you may be in need of some help or even good advices and suggestions.

The level of difficulty when dealing with an alcoholic with an ongoing alcohol abuse problem can vary so greatly from one person to another that the greatest consistency is a lack of consistency. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of gathering important financial documents before beginning the divorce process. We’ll provide a list of documents that you should gather, including bank statements, tax returns, and investment account statements. We’ll also provide strategies for finding and organizing these documents, such as using online tools or working with a financial advisor.

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. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s essential to protect your financial assets during a divorce from an alcoholic spouse. We’ll cover the impact of alcoholism on family finances, the importance of gathering important financial documents, and strategies for navigating the legal process. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re taking care of yourself during a difficult time and setting yourself up for a more secure future. Before deciding to divorce an alcoholic, you need to consider various factors.