Divorcing an Alcoholic: How to Navigate the Process?

Divorcing an Alcoholic: How to Navigate the Process?

how to divorce an alcoholic

Joining a support group or speaking with a therapist can help you cope with the emotional toll of divorcing an alcoholic, and can provide you with the tools you need to move forward. A relationship with any form of addict, including a high-functioning alcoholic, can be extremely emotionally How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol Timeline and More taxing. The divorce process may also come with related challenges, like whether you should reach out to ensure that your soon-to-be-ex is doing alright.

  1. We provide practical and research-backed advice on relationships.
  2. Many alcoholics cannot sustain their careers and lose their jobs.
  3. By understanding the legal process and working with a skilled lawyer, you can ensure that you’re taking steps to protect your financial assets during a divorce from an alcoholic spouse.
  4. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can be incredibly helpful in navigating this process and supporting your children through this difficult time.
  5. In my experience, when children are involved, the Court does not take allegations of alcoholism and dangers to children very lightly.

Although every state wants what’s in the child’s best interest the processes and rules can vary from state to state when both children and alcoholics are involved. Divorces are complex proceedings especially when there are children involved, so a little organization goes a very long way. We have a comprehensive list of financial and legal documents to gather in preparation for departure.

They can provide valuable advice, guide you through the legal process, and help you protect your rights and interests. When faced with the difficult decision of divorcing an alcoholic spouse, it’s important to understand the unique legal considerations that come into play. 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.

how to divorce an alcoholic

When children are involved, it takes everything to another level. If you fear for your safety or worry that your children are in danger when your spouse is intoxicated, you have every reason to leave. In fact, it’s so common that 40-60% of people who’ve experienced violence from their spouse say that alcohol was involved. Behavioral changes from alcohol can see the loving, kind spouse you know turn into an angry, violent person you don’t recognize. Studies show that alcohol use can trigger intimate partner abuse and compound, aggressive tendencies.

Change passwords for financial accounts

Write out a list of all the moments that your ex recalls with anger or bitterness. Speaking of appreciation, strong people give out lots of positivity. One study found that 20% of alcohol users had over $1,000 in credit card debt. Beyond the financial losses, there are financial costs measured by productivity loss at work from hangovers and absenteeism related to drinking. Understand that if you choose to stay, it means financial struggles and facing the challenge of making ends meet while dealing with a spouse who refuses to get help.

The Recovery Village

Something that parents who are about to try to prove alcoholism in divorce need to know prior to beginning their case is that this the Court system can be a long and slow-moving process. While it is still necessary to undertake, you need to have the expectation that this is not going to be a fast process and at times it is going to be difficult and frustrating. Depending on which judge you have, the court may bend over backwards to try and help “fix” the alcoholic parent that refuses help. This is specifically the case when you are safe and your children are safe from the alcoholic spouse. For those starting divorce proceedings with an alcoholic spouse, I hate to say it, but prepare for a difficult road ahead. The process could be long, challenging, frustrating, and heartbreaking, and it will likely be emotionally taxing, scary, and overwhelming at times.

Life after Divorce: Finding Your Path Forward

Having a plan that addresses your legal concerns is essential but a plan for your personal interactions can be equally as vital to support the emotional challenges that you may face. You can check out the free Divorce Basics E-Book to learn more about the Massachusetts divorce process. The type of divorce that you pursue will depend on a number of factors including whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.

What if my spouse refuses to seek treatment for their alcohol addiction?

However, staying in a toxic and possibly dangerous relationship is not the answer. In this article, I will discuss how to prove alcoholism in divorce. Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage, officially dissolving the marital union. It involves settling various aspects such as the division of property, custody of children, and financial responsibilities. The process usually begins with one spouse filing a petition, followed by legal proceedings where both parties present their cases.

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