Addiction and Divorce

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

Most married couples will tell you that the relationship is fraught with hurdles and tough decisions. When outside influences weigh on the relationship it can have a negative impact on the union. An addiction can be most damaging, even to the point of resulting in an annulment or divorce.

Addiction and Marriage Is Not a Great Pairing

The horror stories of those who were married to an addict, in addition to the experiences of those who fought their addiction, should be enough to scare most individuals. However, the reality is that addictions impact thousands of marriages every year and, even heroic efforts at recovery and reconciliation by both parties many times are not enough to save a marriage.

• Whether drugs, alcohol, gambling or some other vice, an addiction is usually accompanied by such behaviors as lying, cheating, and stealing; behaviors not conducive to a healthy marriage.
• An addiction can even put the health and safety of other family members at risk.
• If left unaddressed, an addiction generally results in great loss. This may include but is not limited to one’s health, financial stability, employment and even their life.

All of these factors are serious enough for the spouse of an addict to seek a divorce.

Divorcing an Addict

While deciding to divorce an addict may seem like an easy call, it is a decision that carries the same emotional baggage as deciding to divorce under other circumstances. After all, this marriage was supposed to last forever.

• The threat of divorce usually is not enough to force an addict into rehabilitation. Avoid a repeating cycle of destructive behavior and stick to your principles.
• Approximately 1.2 million divorces each year involve at least one addict.
• Take steps to document the addictive and destructive behavior of your spouse, and protect yourself and your children from potential emotional and physical harm.
• Strongly consider including rehabilitation and ongoing recovery program participation as part of any divorce settlement.
• Seek help for yourself and your children. An addict’s behavior can have a negative impact on those around them, counseling can help.

Consult an Experienced DuPage County Divorce Attorney When You Want to End Your Marriage

An addiction can have a very debilitating impact on even the strongest of marriages. When the addiction becomes too much to bear by either spouse then a divorce may be the result. This highly sensitive situation calls for the skill and experience of a knowledgeable and compassionate Aurora divorce lawyer.

When you retain the legal professionals in the Law Offices of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., it enables you to benefit from years of experience and a deep understanding of Illinois divorce law. Contact our offices today at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation and learn the various options available to pursue.

Sources:

https://www.rehabs.com/when-addiction-and-divorce-collide/

http://www.divorcemag.com/family-law-attorney/dealing-with-divorce-and-addiction