Roxanne had listened to her husband's money threats for years, but when he mentioned creating trusts to cut her out, something inside her snapped. She filed for divorce the next day.

Yet, after 33 years of marriage, leaving is still hard – in spite of the fact that her marriage has been over for years. Unfortunately, Roxanne’s husband refuses to accept reality, leaving her to navigate the treacherous waters of a gray divorce while trying to protect herself both financially and physically.

What makes Roxanne's situation particularly complex is that her husband is an alcoholic and is in complete denial about the divorce. With guns in the house and her 30-year-old son serving as an unintentional buffer, Roxanne must carefully balance her safety with the practical challenges of untangling decades of separate finances and preparing for a battle over assets. 

Her story reveals the hidden struggles many face when leaving a long-term marriage, especially when one spouse will do anything to maintain the status quo.

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube.

You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.