Considerations for When Substance Abuse is a Factor in a Divorce

 Posted on April 11, 2023 in Divorce

 Substance abuse can be a challenging issue in divorce cases. If one spouse struggles with addiction, it can impact the entire family and create significant legal and emotional challenges. For anyone interested in getting a divorce from a partner who suffers from a substance abuse problem, there are essential considerations you must be aware of regarding how your spouse’s substance abuse may affect divorce proceedings. Divorce attorneys are keenly aware of how difficult this situation can be. Consult with an attorney, share your concerns, and create a plan with your attorney for how best to address the problem. 

Divorce Issues That May Be Affected by Your Spouse’s Addiction

Child custody is one of the most significant issues in divorce cases involving substance abuse. If one parent is struggling with addiction, having unsupervised visitation with their children may not be safe. In some cases, limiting or restricting the other parent’s access to the children may be necessary to ensure their safety.

Substance abuse can also impact the division of assets in a divorce case. For example, if one spouse struggles with addiction, they may have spent significant marital assets on drugs or alcohol. This may be considered dissipation of assets which can impact the division of assets and may require the input of financial professionals and forensic accountants. 

If one spouse suffers from addiction, it may be important to consider rehabilitation as part of the divorce process. This can help the addicted spouse get the help they need and may improve their chances of maintaining a relationship with their children.

When substance abuse is a factor in a divorce case, working with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the legal and emotional challenges involved is imperative. An attorney can also ensure that the best interests of all parties involved are protected and can advocate for the safety and well-being of any children involved.

Contact a Chicago Divorce Attorney

Overall, substance abuse can be a challenging issue in divorce cases. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of any children involved and work with experienced legal and financial professionals to navigate legal and emotional challenges. By prioritizing transparency, fairness, and the best interests of all the parties involved, it is possible to achieve a positive outcome in a divorce case involving substance abuse. Contact the Cook County divorce lawyers with The Law Office of George J. Skuros for high-quality legal counsel. Call 312-884-1222 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/divorce/