Author: James Anderson

Divorcing an Alcoholic: How to Navigate a Difficult Situation

By taking steps to protect your children’s well-being during a divorce from an alcoholic spouse, you can ensure that they have the support and stability they need during this difficult time. This can help them adjust more easily to the changes in their family structure and set them up for a brighter future. Alcoholism can have a significant impact on child custody and visitation arrangements during a divorce. If one parent is struggling with addiction, it raises concerns about their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the children. In some cases, the court may order supervised visitation or limit the addicted parent’s time with the children until they can demonstrate that they are able to provide appropriate care.

Check out our leaving your husband checklist and how to leave your husband with no money for the basic details. A lot of alcoholics slip under the law enforcement radar, and that can make proving alcoholism challenging. The witnesses to my father’s alcoholism were his immediate family and the waitresses who cut him off. The hiddenness of alcoholic behavior puts even more pressure on you to create a record. Strategy sessions are designed for those who are serious about their family law case, want to make informed and intelligent choices, and seek result-focused representation. Spousal support may still be in play and whether the court orders spousal support on a temporary basis and before the divorce is final depends too much on the case’s specific facts to discuss in detail here.

Random alcohol testing can be a valuable resource to protect the children

Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements, timelines, and procedures involved in filing for divorce and determining custody arrangements. 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 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. Dividing marital property and debts is one of the most challenging aspects of divorcing an alcoholic spouse.

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and that there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. Support groups and therapy can provide a safe space to share your experiences, gain insight from others who have gone through similar situations, and receive emotional support. Remember, the journey of rebuilding your life after divorcing an alcoholic takes time. By prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and focusing on personal growth, you can navigate this challenging period and create a brighter future for yourself. Navigating the divorce process can be complex, especially when dealing with an alcoholic spouse.

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

In such situations, the most effective way to protect the children is for there to be supervised visitation, if the court is going to make any visitation orders. It would be easier if the spouse and parent who suffers the ongoing alcohol abuse simply admitted to the problem and sought help. 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. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and that you have the strength and resilience to overcome this challenge. By taking care of yourself and your family, and seeking professional help if needed, you can move forward with confidence and hope for a brighter future.

1. It’s important to note that the presence of these signs does not automatically mean your spouse is an alcoholic.
2. Dividing marital property and debts is one of the most challenging aspects of divorcing an alcoholic spouse.
3. Remember, you are the parent and they should not be comforting or taking care of you.
4. Always have a safe place to go, such as a friend or relative’s house where your husband will not come looking after you.
5. Remember to consult with an experienced family law attorney to ensure your plan aligns with legal requirements and to understand your rights throughout the process.
6. This can help you create a more stable and secure future for yourself and your children, even in the midst of a difficult and emotional time.

We will assess your situation objectively and together will form a strategy that makes sense for you and your children. In some Counties, the addiction expert may even be involved in the random testing process. In such situations, the wage earning spouse and his or her lawyer should consider whether the spouse’s vocational examination is reasonable and necessary. A vocational examination is authorized by California Family Code section 4331 . We must first conduct a conflict check before we contact you.

We can help you along the path to a healthy, successful, and stable life.

“My husband is an alcoholic”, this isn’t a surprise for some. In fact, it’s a common dilemma today where families, marriages, and children are affected because of alcoholism. If you are married to an alcoholic, then you are very much aware of the serious problems that alcohol abuse has with your marriage and family.

Presenting a well-organized, evidence-based case can significantly strengthen your position in court and increase the chances of obtaining custody. It’s important to note that laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, so it’s essential to consult an attorney familiar with the laws in your specific area to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. If a couple takes a healthy approach to managing their issues and discussing their feelings, couples practicing sobriety have a strong marriage. This means the court won’t judge either spouse’s actions when deciding on a divorce. This is especially if the alcoholic spouse is prone to violence when drinking or experiences blackouts.

You May Find Yourself Drawn to Similar New Partners

Don’t spend extravagantly until you succeed in divorcing your husband. In the mean time you need to make a plan regarding what you will be doing after the divorce. You can look for a job or start some business depending upon your budget. Nearly 14 million people in the United States which means one of every 13 adults are alcoholic in nature. Also nearly half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism. Discover promising approaches and techniques for effective treatment.

If your partner’s drinking affects your marriage, it can be challenging to figure out what to do. Living with an alcoholic is hard, and you may feel like you’re walking on eggshells. Receiving addiction treatment and achieving sobriety can affect whether your children return or stay in your care.