The best way to move forward in this process is to work with a lawyer who understands your situation and what you’re going through. This can help you know what to document, what steps ensure your safety, and how to work through this process in the most efficient way possible. There is no shame in admitting this, and while you’re likely feeling guilty for deciding to end a relationship with an alcoholic, it’s essential that you know your feelings are justified and valid. As I previously mentioned, the effects of children growing up with an alcoholic parent can’t be overstated – it is vital to break the cycle.

How Many Marriages End in Divorce Because of Alcoholism?

Whether you decide to move forward with a divorce or not, having someone knowledgeable about your particular situation can make all the difference in finding a successful resolution for both parties involved. As a family law attorney, I recommend that both parties should be aware of their respective rights and interests in order to ensure that the divorce process goes smoothly. It is also beneficial to remain mindful of the addictive behavior stemming from alcoholism, as well as any potential aggressive behaviors.

• A long period of sobriety makes it more likely that a parent will remain sober and be able to care for their children.
• Unfortunately, divorcing a spouse who is an alcoholic can add an extra layer of complexity and confusion.
• Despite this, the presence of alcoholism in a marriage can indirectly influence the divorce process.
• It is wise for divorcing spouses to consult experienced attorneys who specialize in family law and are knowledgeable about the legal implications of alcohol abuse.

Simple Legal Options for When Your Ex Does Not Comply With Your Divorce Decree

These platforms allow you to connect with individuals who may be geographically distant but share similar experiences. Engaging in these communities can provide additional support, advice, and a sense of solidarity. By assessing your emotional well-being, you can recognize areas that may require additional attention and support. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.

Remote Alcohol Monitoring Devices

The court may also order the alcoholic parent to receive addiction treatment. An attorney can discuss your legal options and hopefully help everyone, your spouse included, arrive at a better place in their lives. The court process can be daunting when divorcing an alcoholic husband or wife.

Understanding how alcoholism plays a role in divorce proceedings is crucial for protecting your rights and the well-being of your divorce rates after sobriety family. How do you determine whether your spouse is drinking alcoholically and increasing your chances for divorce? Even when there is significant damage to interpersonal relationships and other important life roles. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we include family counseling in our treatment plan, and our signature Family Program is a free virtual resource for our patients’ loved ones. Before initiating the divorce process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your rights and the available options.

Alcohol Monitoring Increases Options

In order to get an accurate assessment of the financial toll, it is recommended that couples work with experienced divorce attorneys who understand the nuances of their respective state’s divorce laws. Divorce and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are strongly correlated in the Swedish population, and the heritability of divorce is consistent with previous studies. Covariation between AUD and divorce results from overlapping genetic and nonshared environmental factors. Latent genetic and nonshared environmental correlations for AUD and divorce are high and moderate.

Alcoholism can be a significant factor in determining whether spousal support or alimony is awarded and in what amount. The court takes into account various factors, including the impact of the alcoholic spouse’s behavior and addiction on the financial well-being of the other spouse. It is crucial to present evidence that demonstrates the negative effects of alcoholism on the marital relationship, such as financial instability, loss of employment, or excessive spending on alcohol-related expenses. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone. Seeking the help of a skilled lawyer or therapist can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time. They can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate fair agreements, and deal with the emotional toll of divorce from an alcoholic spouse.

Surprising Legal Strategies for Divorcing a Serial Cheater in 2025

She is now in therapy, which I am realizing is something that is in my control—unlike most other aspects of this situation. Because the NESARC used a complex sample design, estimation procedures that assume simple random sampling cannot be used. Cross-sectional analyses of the W1 data adjusted for the design effects of the W1 sample, and longitudinal analyses adjusted for the design effects of the W2 sample. In W1 of NESARC, participants were presented with 12 potentially stressful events and asked if they had experienced any of them in the past 12 months (e.g., “In the last 12 months, were you fired or laid off from a job?”). Items were summed to create an index of the number of stressful events experienced during the last 12 months (see Dawson et al., 2005, 2007).