Divorcing An Alcoholic: Legal Considerations
You might hope to persuade them to seek professional help, which is a positive step. They will point to the fact that they can still excel at work or still be a good parent or spouse. They will say that they aren’t driving while drinking or falling over drunk. High-functioning alcoholics, especially, may not seem problematic to those outside.
Alcoholic Husband
Deciding to divorce an alcoholic spouse is profoundly personal and complex. You should consider whether your spouse is committed to seeking help and whether there’s genuine potential for recovery. And you must evaluate how the relationship impacts your mental and emotional health. When divorcing an alcoholic spouse, it is important to be prepared for difficult conversations. This can include topics such as drug abuse and child custody decisions.
How To Leave An Alcoholic Partner
In severe cases, legal issues (like DUIs) and medical expenses arise, adding to the household’s financial burden. This level of financial instability can create pervasive stress and conflict within the marriage. I’ve spent the last seven years researching and understanding alcoholism, addiction, and how people get sober. Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term. He was and still is a high functioning alcoholic, though the quantity of alcohol he consumes each day has risen considerably. We had dinner last year with one of our daughters (the other refused to go).
Child Custody Issues When Divorcing an Alcoholic
Therapists or counselors specializing in children’s mental health can provide your children with strategies to cope with the changes they are facing. They can help your children understand that their parent’s struggle with alcohol misuse is a disease and not a reflection of their worth or the love their parent has for them. When navigating the drug addiction turbulent seas of divorce from a husband or wife who misuses alcohol or has an Alcohol Use Disorder, your children’s well-being becomes your guiding star. Amid the legal complexities of divorce and child custody, your primary concern is to ensure their safety, emotional stability, and overall well-being. This is a journey of empowerment and reclaiming control of your life, and your children’s future.
- Seeking the help of a skilled lawyer or therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time.
- His success rates are impressive, with a 96% success rate in CPS custody cases and a 94% success rate in child support cases.
- Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and that you have the strength and resilience to overcome this challenge.
- This individual should be knowledgeable about substance abuse issues and able to assess any potential risks posed by the parent’s alcoholism.
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. Gabrielle is an experienced freelance writer and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience using equine-assisted therapy. If you have a joint account with your alcoholic spouse, call your bank to see if you can lower the daily withdrawal limit. That way, if your spouse tries to make any unusual or large withdrawals, the bank may contact you for authorization first. Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors.
Maintain a routine for your children as much as possible, providing a sense of normalcy in the midst of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ turmoil. Also, if safe and feasible, keep lines of communication open with your spouse. An amicable relationship between divorcing parents can significantly benefit the children. Finally, protecting your financial assets is another vital part of preparing for divorce. Ensuring access to all necessary financial information and establishing separate accounts can help secure your financial future and your children’s. If your friend or family member is ready to find treatment for their addiction, The Recovery Village at Cooper is here to help.
- Alcohol abuse can lead to domestic violence, financial ruin and emotional trauma.
- This can put a strain on the family’s finances and make it difficult to make ends meet.
- The overall divorce rate in the United States is roughly 50%, and it makes sense that addiction to alcohol adds significant challenges for couples to overcome in order to stay together.
- Protective orders and restraining orders can provide legal protection and ensure the safety of individuals involved.
If you are looking for a treatment facility for your spouse, contact Casa Palmera today. Our compassionate and caring team of experienced professionals can answer any questions and walk with you and your partner on the road to alcohol addiction recovery. The participants in an intervention could include the alcoholic’s spouse or partner, children, parents, friends, coworkers, employer, friends and other individuals who have been affected. A substance abuse counselor, family therapist or spiritual advisor may also attend to provide an objective presence and keep the agenda on track. After all, they have managed to maintain the appearance of success despite their addiction. But most high-functioning alcoholics have friends or loved ones who help them cover up the consequences of their drinking.
When dealing with the complexities of divorcing an alcoholic and seeking custody of your children, it is highly recommended to consult and hire an experienced family law attorney. They will be well-versed in the legal procedures and requirements specific to your jurisdiction, providing invaluable guidance and support throughout the process. Navigating the financial aspects of divorce with an alcoholic spouse can be challenging. Remember, every divorce case is unique, and it’s essential to consult with a legal professional who can provide personalized advice based high functioning alcoholic on your specific situation. When divorcing an alcoholic spouse, it is important to seek professional help.
Problems at school are also common, and it stands to reason that they would act out if their home, which is supposed to be a safe haven, isn’t a safe space. Additionally, watching the person you love deteriorate and become a person unlike themselves is draining. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, or even suicidal thoughts, it’s time to leave.