How to Document Spousal Addiction During Divorce

Divorce always has the potential to become challenging and complex. Divorcing a spouse with addiction issues only compounds these difficulties. While it is important that your spouse seeks help for their issues, it is equally important that you take the necessary steps to protect your rights. Properly documenting your spouse’s addiction can provide you and your children with the protection you may need, and prove your case, if necessary.

Recognizing Signs of Spousal Addiction 

In addition to the emotional turmoil, there are many logistical challenges involved with divorcing a spouse with addiction problems. The first step is to recognize the signs of addiction, so you can start documenting it.

Addiction is often associated with many common signs and behaviors. These include sudden secrecy, mood swings, regular neglect of responsibilities, financial changes, sudden legal issues, absences, changes in appearance, and health complications. Even the most common signs of addiction can differ depending on the type of addiction, and the severity of it. For example, the signs of alcohol addiction differ vastly from those exhibited when someone suffers from a gambling addiction.

Documenting Your Spouse’s Addiction 

Addiction is a disease, and no one wants to see another person suffer from it. Even if you are in conflict with your spouse, you may still want to protect them and not involve their addiction in your case. Unfortunately, the only way to protect yourself  and your children, if applicable, is to document the addictive behavior. This can ensure your rights are protected during property division, alimony, and child custody proceedings.

Evidence such as pictures of your spouse engaging in addictive behaviors, receipts indicating funds wasted on the addiction, and documentation of unpredictable or unreliable behavior can all help prove spousal addiction. Along with these you should also diligently document other incidents such as unexplained absences, missed appointments, or instances involving law enforcement.

If family members, friends, or colleagues have seen the addictive behavior, their testimonies can also provide important evidence. These testimonies can provide credible insights into how the addiction has impacted you and your family, as well as the extent of the addiction. This can justify the need to divorce your spouse.

Although collecting evidence of your spouse’s addiction is important, you should never attempt to do it if you fear for the safety of you or your children. Professional support, such as from a Lehighton family lawyer, can be invaluable during this very difficult time. An attorney can advise on the best ways to document the addiction and make sure that your family is protected.

Call Our Family Lawyer in Lehighton for Help 

Divorce cases involving spousal addiction are typically far more challenging and complicated than those that do not. At The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., our Lehighton family lawyer can help you effectively navigate the process and will always ensure you, your rights, and your family are protected. Call us now at 484-613-0011 or contact us online to request a consultation and to get the help you need.

Source:

pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/231/chapter1920/chap1920toc.html