Divorce cases in which one spouse has an addiction, such as an alcohol or drug addition, are incredibly stressful and challenging. There are many considerations to keep in mind, such as the safety of any children, the safety of the spouses, potential criminal charges, and financial concerns.
It is important to openly discuss addiction issues with your lawyer, whether it is the client who has the addiction or the client’s spouse or partner. Knowledgeable attorneys are able to assist clients with identifying appropriate resources and assistance, such as rehabilitation centers and counselors, forensic accountants, mental health professionals, and other resources.
Many addicts engage in erratic behavior that often create additional challenges during divorce proceedings. The impaired spouse may hide money, they may lie about their whereabouts, and they may not comply with orders or otherwise respond to requests for relevant information.
Custody cases are especially difficult, particularly if the spouse has a history of consuming alcoholic beverages or taking drugs while supervising a child or transporting a child in a vehicle. In these cases, supervised visitation, drug tests, and other such precautions need to be considered.
If you or your spouse is struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, and you are going through a divorce, you should not try to navigate these difficult issues alone. Reach out to one of the attorneys at Maddox & Gerock, as well as to a trusted friend or family member. The sooner help is sought out, the sooner those affected by addiction can start to heal and work toward recovery.
