Divorcing an Alcoholic

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can have a debilitating impact on a marriage, whether just one or both spouses struggle with it. Between the emotional turmoil, communication failures, and financial impacts, it can be tough to hold a marriage together. If you are considering divorcing someone who’s alcoholism has made continuing the marriage impossible, you will need a diligent and experienced divorce attorney by your side.

Strain on a Marriage 

Studies indicate that AUD can have intense and multifaceted consequences for a marriage:

1. Trust is eroded when one partner cannot follow through on commitments.
2. Intimacy is impaired as one or both partners experience emotional withdrawal.
3. Children may suffer neglect, leading to codependency or acting out.
4. Household members may experience emotional, and even physical abuse.
5. Lost productivity may lead to financial strain.
6. Health issues that arise from AUD may add more financial insecurity.

Exceptional Challenges in Divorce 

Divorce involving AUD can pose some complicating factors, impacting everything from property division to custody plans and shared parenting:

1. If finances have been mismanaged by an alcoholic spouse, it could impact property division.
2. You will need to provide proof of AUD, including records of recurrent alcohol purchases, photos or social media posts, and the like.
3. Custody considerations will be a major concern as the court weighs the best interests of the children. The mental, emotional, and physical safety of your children will be paramount, and visitation may be based on an alcoholic’s participation in treatment, regular drug testing, and progress toward stability.

Starting Over 

Surviving the challenges of marriage to someone with addiction issues took strength, ingenuity, and will power. Moving forward post-divorce will be easier on many levels, since you won’t be living face-to-face with the challenges that plagued your marriage. Nonetheless, life presents new tests and trials. Some tips to get through it unscathed include:

1. Give yourself time and space to address your loss.
2. Spend time with new activities, develop new hobbies, or re-engage with some that you’ve left behind.
3. Create healthy, strong boundaries in relationships.
4. Find ways to relax and soothe your aching brain like yoga, meditation, spending time in nature, journaling, or walking.
5. Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, healthy foods, and exercise.
6. Lean on family and friends–and create new social connections too.
7. Build new goals and measure progress with regularity.
8. Focus on ways to help others or contribute to your community.
9. Say good-by to blame and resentment.
10. Redouble your focus on the well-being of your children.

The Legal Help You Need 

The ethical and responsive Springfield divorce attorneys at Courtney & Mills always strive for the best possible outcomes in divorce. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Springfield office today.