Just two weeks shy of their fourth wedding anniversary, the actor filed for divorce from wife Joanne Smith. The news broke just one day after Baldwin filed a restraining order against Smith. The former fashion model turned chef has reportedly been battling drug and alcohol addictions of her own.
"Due to recent events in our home and for the safety of my children and myself, I have made this decision," Baldwin, 50, tells TMZ. "I have had my share of problems with drugs and alcohol many years ago and know first hand how difficult a position she is in."
Baldwin described his difficult family life in court papers and said his wife threatened to kill him and their two children.
"My wife has claimed over 10 times in the last two months that she will stab me, slash me or slit my throat in my sleep," Baldwin wrote.
Baldwin claims his terrified daughters even asked, "Is Mommy going to kill us?"
Authorities in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where the Baldwin family currently lives, have been called out to the family home on numerous occasions for domestic disturbances.
Baldwin had legal troubles of his own in the past, including several driving and substance-related arrests. In July 2006 he was arrested for stealing a car and was booked on a grand theft auto charge. Those charges were later dropped.
He and Smith were married in 2007. They have two daughters, born in 2008 and 2009.