Originally Posted by
Hopeful4Change 
But, what if the alcoholic is financially secure and has no responsibilities? No job to lose. What if there is no family to embarrass or alienate (because there isn't).. What if there is only a mid 50's wife who can't work for health reasons and depends on the alcoholic's investments? What if the alcoholic will hide the $$ offshore or something if the wife puts her foots down and totally detaches as suggested at the beginning of this thread. It sounds great for a wife who is financially secure on their own.. But, if not that person continues to be a codie due to necessity. She wants the alcoholic to heal, but after 30 years of marriage there isn't exactly a loving spark anymore. Just a duty to support and comfort her partner who is dying a slow death.... with as little confrontation as possible.
This is not a plan to get your A sober. It is a real life experience that someone shared. Will not apply to everyone.
Thirty years of marriage entitles you to some percentage of the money. Consult an attorney to find out more about that in your state. If he controls the money, why do you assume it will be there for you later on? Being financially independent is tough but it is a choice. There are avenues but it might require a lifestyle change.