Chemical dependency is often a factor in Minnesota divorce cases.  When a spouse is addicted to alcohol, drugs, or even gambling, the impact of that addiction profoundly effects the other spouse and the children.

If your spouse is chemically dependent, you should keep in mind the following:

1. It is possible that you can become co-dependent without realizing it.
2. It is very possible that your children will become co-dependent.
3. Your financial future is in jeopardy, because your spouse may go into debt, or cash in marital assets, to support their addiction.

You are not just in a relationship with your addicted spouse.  You are in a relationship with their drug of choice, and with their drug dealer or bar tender.

So, if you are in Minnesota, what should you do?  Stop the bleeding.  This is difficult if you are codependent.  But if you have an addicted spouse and you choose to stay with them, they can destroy your life and the lives of your children.

Here is where my experience makes a difference: I am not a “cookie-cutter” attorney.  Not all Minnesota divorce petitions are the same.  When chemical dependency is a factor, my office drafts a unique petition for dissolution of marriage that makes clear to the Court and to Early Neutral Evaluators that addiction plays a significant role in the divorce case, and that it impacts custody and parenting time decisions, and support and financial decisions.

If children are involved, I will demand that the chemically addicted spouse obtain a comprehensive chemical dependency evaluation through court services, and that they comply with all recommendations.  I will also demand that my client serve as a collateral source witness so that they can be certain the evaluators don’t just hear the story that the addicted spouse tells.  My clients are heard.

If you are considering a divorce in Minnesota, you should call Minnetonka divorce lawyer Dan Fiskum at (952) 270-7700 to set up a free ½ hour consultation.  It is confidential, and no one needs to know you are exploring options until you affirmatively decide to take steps to protect yourself and your family.