Divorcing a Spouse With An Addiction? Here Are Four Tips to Help

 Posted on June 06,2022 in Chicago divorce attorney

Addictive and compulsive behaviors are frequent causes of divorce in Illinois. Substance abuse issues make it very difficult to sustain a safe, stable family life while shopping and gambling addictions can make it impossible to live within a family’s means. Unfortunately, these behaviors can also complicate the divorce process, potentially making it very stressful. If you are pursuing an Illinois divorce from a spouse with addictive behaviors, here are four tips that may be helpful. 

Put Your Children’s Needs First

You do not need to be married to a spouse with addiction issues for long to understand how emotionally draining trying to help them can be. Trying to make ends meet, ensuring everybody is safe, and managing your day-to-day activities can be nearly impossible when you are essentially single-parenting and dealing with your spouse as well. But now that you have decided to get divorced, shift your focus to yourself and your children. Make sure they have what they need and try to minimize the difficulties they experience as you separate from your spouse. If necessary, pursue sole parental rights so you can keep them safe. And while you are at it, remember to take care of yourself, too. 

Collect Evidence

Addictive personalities tend to leave a trail of destruction in their wake. While this is exhausting to deal with, it can make it easy to document certain behaviors. Overdrawn bank accounts, photos of physical abuse, and arrest records may all play an important role in showing a judge that your spouse is unsafe or unpredictable. Depending on your spouse’s addiction, you may want to consider getting a financial restraining order to prevent them from wasting money before the divorce is finalized. 

Prepare For the Worst

Addictive personalities can be self-destructive and hostile when confronted with the devastating consequences of their behavior. Although your spouse may handle your divorce with humility and grace, chances are they will act out. Make sure your attorney knows your spouse’s struggles with addiction and let them help you protect your children, your home, and your rights. 

Meet with a St. Charles, IL Divorce Lawyer

Divorcing a spouse who struggles to manage their addiction problems requires a skilled Kane County divorce attorney who has experience managing the complex issues addiction can introduce. To find out more about how the The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can assist you throughout your divorce, call us today at 630-409-8184 and schedule a confidential consultation at your earliest convenience. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000