Married To An Addict? What To Know When Filing For A Divorce In Pinellas County

Addiction causes a person to compulsively engage in certain behaviors or take certain substances. The Cleveland Clinic warns that an addict is likely to be driven to engage in these activities, regardless of the negative impacts it has on them and the people in their lives.

Whether it involves alcohol and drugs or gambling, pornography, or other vices, being married to someone with an addiction can be devastating. Regardless of how much you might love the person and want them to recover, divorce can quickly become the only reasonable option.

Our Seminole divorce attorney represents clients in these heartbreaking cases and explains what you need to know about divorcing an addict in Pinellas County.

Divorcing An Addicted Spouse In Seminole

Substance abuse disorders and other addictions are a serious problem throughout the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, the Florida Department of Health ranks Pinellas County near the top of the list in terms of alcohol and drug abuse.

Over 24 percent of all residents admit to drinking excessively, while the death rate for drug poisoning deaths is over 30 percent. In addition to substance abuse, people can become addicted to gambling, having affairs, online shopping, or other activities, which can quickly wreak havoc in their marriages.

If you are married to someone with an addiction or substance abuse disorder, you may have tried everything to get them to stop and salvage the relationship. When their behavior jeopardizes your safety and financial security, it may be time to call it quits.

Under the Florida Statutes, drug or alcohol abuse is no longer considered ‘grounds’ for divorce in Seminole. However, it is important to discuss the situation with an experienced Pinellas County divorce attorney, as it could impact your case in the following ways:

• Communication issues and court delays: People with addictions or substance abuse disorders tend to create chaos and often engage in behavior that goes against their best interests. In divorce proceedings, this could translate into refusing to respond to any summons issued or appear at court proceedings.
• Marital property division: An addict can quickly drain your finances and may have sold off significant amounts of marital property. To make up for these losses, you may be entitled to a larger portion in a property settlement.
• Child custody: While the Pinellas County Family Court generally encourages time-sharing, your spouse’s addiction could put your child in jeopardy and is something that needs to be considered when determining parental rights.

For Caring Support and Trusted Legal Guidance, Contact Our Pinellas County Divorce Attorney

An addicted spouse may attempt to blame you for their problems and beg for ‘one more chance’ while promising to get treatment. This is heartbreaking to deal with, but your family’s safety, financial security, and overall well-being come first.

At The Reep Law Firm, we provide caring support and trusted legal guidance in this situation. To discuss your options, contact our office and request a confidential consultation with our Pinellas County divorce attorney today.

Sources:

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6407-addiction

pinellas.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/community-health-planning-and-statistics/data-and-reports/_documents/2023-pinellas-cha.pdf

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes./index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html