A restraining order is similar to a protective order and serves the purpose of preventing contact and ensuring safety. It can prohibit the alcoholic spouse from approaching or communicating with you, as well as from going near your place of residence, workplace, or other specified locations. It is not an easy decision to make, but sometimes it is the best course of action for your own well-being and that of your family.
Spousal Support and Alimony
In cases involving an alcoholic spouse, it’s crucial to gather documentation and evidence related to the assets. This includes financial records, property ownership documents, and any other relevant information. It’s advisable to consult with a divorce attorney who can guide you through this process and help protect your interests. Documenting instances of neglect, endangerment, or impaired judgment due to alcohol abuse can be crucial in establishing the need for limitations on visitation or supervised visitation.
- You can plan an intervention with the help of friends and family members or seek expert help from people who offer professional alcohol interventions.
- Take care of yourself physically and emotionally, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it.
- The physical, emotional, and behavioral health conditions of each parent must be taken into consideration when deciding on custody and visitation rights.
- By understanding the legal process, you can make informed decisions and actively participate in your case.
- This evidence can include documentation of alcohol-related incidents, witness testimonies, and professional evaluations.
- Sometimes being served with a Complaint for Divorce is the necessary wake up call for a spouse to take sobriety seriously.
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Instead, focus on expressing your own needs and concerns in a clear and respectful manner. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements when discussing difficult topics. For example, say “I feel hurt when you drink around the children” instead of “You’re a terrible parent for drinking around the children.”
- Remember to take care of yourself as well by engaging in activities that you enjoy such as reading or painting.
- This often leads to feelings of resentment and depression, which can create further tension in already strained relationships.
- Remember, the well-being of your children is paramount, and seeking appropriate support and resources is essential.
- Also, if safe and feasible, keep lines of communication open with your spouse.
- It is important to remember that alcohol affects people differently and even if all the above signs are present, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are an alcoholic.
Financial Issues
However, recovery is a complex process that requires commitment and support from the individual struggling with addiction. It’s important to encourage your spouse to seek help and support them throughout the process. If you’re going through a divorce with an alcoholic spouse, remember that you’re not alone.
Typical Stages of High-Functioning Alcoholism
Testimonies from witnesses who have observed the effects of alcoholism on the parenting skills of the alcoholic spouse can also be valuable in supporting your case. In this article, we will explore the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorcing an alcoholic spouse, and provide you with practical tips and resources to help you move forward. Working with experts and witnesses can strengthen your case by providing objective perspectives and professional opinions. Their input can help the court better understand the impact of alcohol abuse on the children and support your claim for custody. Likewise, it can be emotionally tolling trying to leave someone you care about who’s struggling with alcoholism.
Loved ones and friends of HFAs can also seek support for themselves in order to learn how best to navigate their relationship with the alcoholic in their life, to detach emotionally and to heal. Al-Anon is a free, anonymous national support for the friends and loved ones of alcoholics and ACOA is a free, anonymous national support specifically for adult children of alcoholic parents. The book Co-Dependent No More by Melody Beattie is a high functioning alcoholic resource for the loved ones of alcoholics that is highly recommended by many therapists. In addition, attending individual therapy or even family therapy with the HFA can be effective. It is best to find a therapist who specializes in treating addictions, and you can often do this search through your insurance company or by asking your physician. Navigating the financial aspects of divorce with an alcoholic spouse can be challenging.
Additionally, serious dependence can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms including convulsions, starting eight to twelve hours after the last drink. The delirium tremens (D.T.’s) begins three to four days later where the person becomes extremely agitated, shakes, hallucinates and loses touch with reality. If all else fails, you might have to stage an intervention to get a high functioning alcoholic the help they need before it’s too late. Show your concern and suggest that you try to solve the problem together, but don’t allow them to make excuses or justify their drinking. Here are some tips on what you can do if a loved one is drinking too much yet functioning well.
How Does Alcohol Affect a Marriage?
This means that many individuals may face this difficult situation as they consider divorce. If you suspect that your spouse is an alcoholic, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of alcoholism. The most common indicators include physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Physical signs can include a constant smell of alcohol on their breath or skin, red or glassy eyes, unusually deep sleep or slurred speech. Psychological signs may include mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability.
Connecting with Support Groups and Communities
You are not just a husband or wife navigating a divorce; you’re a strong man or woman taking control of their life and ensuring the well-being of their children. In this challenging time, it’s crucial to prioritize the needs and feelings of your children. As highlighted by the case “In re Marriage of Staszak”, maintaining a healthy relationship with both parents is important for the children’s emotional stability when safe.