From prescription medication to heroin, alcohol and other substances, there are many different addictions that people may struggle with. Substance abuse can cause a marriage to fall apart, and it can also create complications during the divorce process and after a divorce has been finalized. In this post, we will examine some relevant issues related to substance abuse, which may be especially helpful if you or your former spouse have problems related to addiction.
During a divorce, parents may disagree on how custody should be awarded, which can lead to a harsh dispute. Those with a substance abuse disorder may struggle to secure the right to have custody or visit their child. Moreover, you may be worried about your ex’s ability to raise your child because of their addiction, and these concerns should be brought up in court.
There are many other ways in which substance abuse can affect family law issues, however. Those struggling with an addiction may face financial challenges, which could leave them unable to pay alimony or cause them to fall behind on their child support. This can lead to even more consequences that make life very hard, so it is crucial to do everything in your power to stay current if you are required to make payments.
Sometimes, addiction can make divorce and other family law matters more challenging from an emotional point of view, and there are other hardships that people in this position frequently go through. It is always important to prepare yourself and understand your legal options, regardless of the family law matters you are facing.