019: Navigating Divorce Through Sobriety - An Addicted Father’s Story

Personal issues such as addiction can jeopardize parental custody, but through hard work, dedication, and earning back trust, it is possible to co-parent with an ex-partner successfully.

On this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista sits down with Mike, a former client and recovering addict who came to Krista for help when his personal issues threatened custody of his baby daughter during his divorce. Mike is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict who worked hard to overcome his struggles, and today, he is successfully sharing custody with his ex-wife.

As Krista and Mike begin their conversation, Mike shares his initial exposure to drugs and alcohol and the role they played in his relationship with his ex-wife as they progressed toward marriage. When Mike’s ex became pregnant with their daughter, Mike hit rock bottom, still trying to convince himself he was fine. Ultimately, he recognized he needed help and entered an in-patient rehab, learning how to be honest with himself and others, and working with his ex in marriage counseling to attempt to save their marriage. When divorce became imminent, Mike moved to Colorado, where his ex had moved with their daughter, and hired Krista to assist him in getting custody of his daughter. With Krista at his side, Mike took proactive steps to earn trust with his ex, incrementally earning more time with his daughter.

Mike’s story is one that many parents can relate to, whether they are the parent struggling with addiction or the parent who needs to trust an ex-partner again. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• The background behind Mike’s addiction, how he met his wife in college, and the denial and enabling surrounding his addiction
• Evolution of Mike’s alcohol addiction 
• Hitting rock bottom and how he convinced himself he was fine
• Bringing a child into the mix and realizing he needed help
• The inpatient rehab experience, honesty, and an attempt at marriage counseling to save the marriage
• Divorce, a move to Colorado, hiring Krista, and getting some hard truths from her about his case
• Mike’s proactive approach to gain trust and earn parenting time with his young daughter
• The role of shame, kindness, and grace in becoming sober
• His advice for dealing with addiction, becoming educated about its impact, healing, and faith

Resources from this Episode

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

Soberlink Remote Alcohol Monitoring | Improving Lives

Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous

Drug Addicts Anonymous USA - Find a 12 Step Meeting Near you

Amazon.com: Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change (Audible Audio Edition): Randye Kaye, Jeffrey Foote PhD, Carrie Wilkens PhD, Nicole Kosanke PhD, Stephanie Higgs PhD, Tantor Audio: Books

BACtrack | The Leader in Breathalyzers

Annie Grace - This Naked Mind

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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Episode Credits

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