(150+)Addiction is a terrible thing, and the loved ones of those who struggle with it can often be left with very difficult decisions about what to do. If you have a spouse who struggles with addiction, of course there must be a very large part of you that wishes to help your loved one get better; however, in some situations this is simply not an option. The decision to reach out to a divorce attorney in Greenville, SC is never an easy one, and so let us begin by saying that if you have even come as far as reading our blog on this subject, we completely understand the difficult situation you are in today.
Divorce is a difficult experience for families even under the best of circumstances. When one partner in a marriage struggles with alcoholism or drug addiction, the process can be devastating. This is true enough simply with married couples – but it becomes especially true in situations where children are involved. If your loved one is an alcoholic or addict who is resisting treatment and rejecting help, the first step is to contact a Greenville South Carolina divorce attorney.
When Should I Consider Contacting a Divorce Attorney in Greenville South Carolina?
No one wants to leave someone they love – especially when that person is clearly struggling and in need of help. A spouse struggling with addiction who wants to get better is worth supporting. However, marriage to a spouse who struggles with addiction while lying, failing drug tests while claiming to be clean, fails to keep promises, and steals from – or even physically abuses – their family may not be a marriage you can salvage. A Greenville, SC divorce attorney can help you determine if that is your situation.
The Importance of Drug Testing in a Divorce Involving Addiction
When you begin working with your Greenville, SC divorce lawyer, you need to ensure that your spouse is getting regular drug tests before, during, and following the proceedings of your divorce. This is a very important part of the process which ensures that your spouse is mentally capable of making their own decisions.
A spouse who continually turns to addiction can be held accountable for their actions in determining divorce agreements and custody or visitation rights with children. Your divorce lawyer in Greenville South Carolina should include a written clause requiring regular drug testing for visitation of children in any divorce agreement involving addiction.
Moving Forward After Your Divorce in South Carolina
Addiction serious enough to make divorce the only viable option for you and your children is hellish, and the divorce is usually a harrowing journey for all involved. The road ahead of you after your divorce will be difficult, but it will also be filled with hope. You may feel guilt or uncertainty about your decisions, or you may feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Regardless, you should always remember that your children, yourself, and perhaps even your spouse will end up in a better place due to your actions. Â There are several avenues that you can take to move forward with your life after a substance abuse divorce.
The first, and probably best known, avenue for moving on is via support groups. Most of us know that addicts have regular support groups which meet across the state of South Carolina, but there are also many such groups for the spouses, children, and other family members of addicts. You may feel a little embarrassed or self-conscious about going to such a group, but remember – these people are members of this group because they have experienced something very similar to yourself. Connecting with a support group will help you do the work of recovery and rebuilding your life again. They will form a new community of friends that already understand what you’ve been through, no explanations or awkward silences necessary.
Consult with a Greenville Divorce Attorney About Your Case
If you are going through a divorce, or are considering pursuing a divorce, from a spouse who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, don’t wait for things to go from bad to worse. The Greenville, SC divorce attorneys here at Elliott Frazier Law Firm can help you determine the best course forward for yourself, your family, and your spouse, and we will work every day to ensure that your divorce proceedings are as smooth as possible.
