You may want to consider seeking support from a therapist or support group for partners of alcoholics. It’s also important to work with a skilled lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the divorce. It’s also important to understand the impact of alcoholism on property division, alimony, child support payments, and child custody arrangements. 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.
Addiction Guide for Friends
Courts will often consider evidence of alcoholism when making custody decisions. You’ll also need to make sure that you and your children have adequate health insurance. If your spouse was the primary breadwinner and carried the insurance, ensure they don’t drop you during the separation leaving an alcoholic phase. This is a federal law that requires employers to let employees’ families continue their health insurance after a qualifying event, such as divorce or leaving the company. You may also be able to get health insurance through your state’s marketplace or Medicaid.
Know when to walk away from the relationships
When one partner is struggling with addiction, it can be difficult for them to communicate effectively and honestly about their feelings and needs. This can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and feelings of resentment. The first step is to talk openly and honestly with your partner about your concerns. Try to approach the conversation in a non-judgmental way, expressing your love and concern for their well-being. Encourage them to seek help, but understand that they may not be ready or willing to do so right away. The behavior of any person who is abusing alcohol is unpredictable.
Taking Care Of Yourself After The Relationship
The decision to leave a spouse who is struggling with alcoholism is a personal one. It may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or support group before making any major decisions. Remember, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ supporting your spouse through their recovery requires taking care of yourself as well. It’s essential to seek support for yourself and explore ways to prioritize your well-being.
- While this may sound like an awful option, it is the decision that many people with alcoholic spouses choose.
- Alcoholism can have a significant impact on a family’s finances.
- Many people struggling with persistent alcoholism have an untreated mental illness.
The Marchman Act: Florida’s Law for Involuntary Drug Treatment
For instance, it’s probably not helpful to bring up their alcohol use if you also tend to binge drink on the weekends. Perhaps your partner has always loved a particular sport, but their drinking has interfered with their ability to engage in it. Consider trying to see things from your loved one’s point of view, even if it doesn’t make sense to you. Your partner will be more likely to listen if they feel like you’re approaching them with genuine concern and love, not criticism. Many people who live with addiction, whether to alcohol or another substance or activity, carry a heavy sense of shame and guilt. It’s a good idea to start the conversation when your partner is sober — not intoxicated or hungover.
- We’ll also discuss the importance of putting your children’s needs first during this process, and ensuring that they have the financial support they need to thrive.
- This could include seeing a therapist, putting physical distance between you and your loved one, or having a trusted friend to call when things get tough.
- It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that there are resources available to help both you and your partner.
This can put a strain on the family’s finances and make it difficult to make ends meet. Located in metro Atlanta, we’re ready to provide you with expert guidance and support. Give us a call to speak directly with a client coordinator or fill out our secure online form. Let’s navigate your family law legal challenges together, starting now. Seeking a divorce is never easy, but divorcing a partner who is an alcoholic comes with unique difficulties that can make taking the first step towards divorce scarier than ever. In some cases, you may even need to seek out a protective order for yourself or your children.
Off the Roller-Coaster: When to Leave a Relationship With an Alcoholic
The program offers structured therapies, constant medical supervision, and a supportive community to promote independence, improve function, and enhance overall well-being. Wanting to err on the side of empathy is why your question is so much harder to answer when I think of it from where you are and where I’ve been. As I said, I’ve been the alcoholic and the loved one of an alcoholic. I have stayed in a relationship with someone whose behavior was erratic and often hurtful — twice — because I feared what would happen to them if I left. Find support, insights, and guidance on this emotional journey.
- You may want to see an addiction counselor or therapist on your own to rehearse your approach and have a plan in place.
- For instance, if you drive them everywhere so they don’t get a DUI, bail them out of jail, or pay for their alcohol-related damages, you are, in effect, supporting their addiction.
- Just because your alcoholic partner won’t get help now, doesn’t mean they won’t ever enter rehab.
- That adds a layer of complication to your case that, while crucial for your safety, may prolong the case and make it more difficult to recover.
- You may want to consider seeking support from a therapist or support group for partners of alcoholics.
- If you are planning to divorce a partner who is an alcoholic and you need legal support, reach out to the attorneys at Chambers Family Law.
Or maybe your partner’s alcohol consumption has been concerning you for some time. If your spouse becomes violent when they drink, it is important to prioritize your safety and the safety of any children involved. Consider seeking help from a domestic violence shelter or hotline. Couples therapy and family counseling can be valuable tools in addressing the dynamics and consequences of living with an alcoholic spouse.
