There’s a strong link between substance abuse during and after divorce. In some cases, one spouse abuses drugs or alcohol for years in a marriage until the other has finally had enough and files for divorce; in others, the divorce pushes one spouse to begin abusing drugs or alcohol for the first time.
Your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer needs to know right away if there was any substance abuse during your marriage (on your part or on your spouse’s part), or if there’s any during your divorce. That way, your lawyer can do his or her best to fight for your rights.
Substance Abuse: It Hurts Everyone
Substance abuse—whether we’re talking about drugs or alcohol—hurts everyone around the abuser. From spouses to kids to parents, no one is left untouched by the damage substance abuse causes.
A spouse or parent who’s abusing drugs or alcohol may:
• have an excessive need for privacy
• exhibit chronic dishonesty
• behave secretively or suspiciously
• lose interest in family activities
• have a hard time paying attention and focusing
• become physically abusive
If you suspect your spouse is abusing drugs or alcohol, talk to your lawyer before attempting to stage any kind of intervention or before trying to remove your kids from his or her care. Everything you do during your divorce will come under intense scrutiny, so make sure you clear your plans through your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer.
When Kids are Involved
Sadly, many people with substance abuse problems continue their behavior around their own children, whether they’re abusing alcohol or drugs. Rather than allowing your ex to endanger your kids, talk to your lawyer about your options.
• You can ask your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer about having your ex tested for illegal drugs.
• Talk to your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer about any treatment or hospital stays your ex had during your marriage.
• Form a proposed custody plan with your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer in the case your ex loses custodial rights or visitation rights.
Substance Abuse without Kids
Even if children aren’t involved, substance abuse can affect a divorce case. Your judge may take your ex’s substance abuse into consideration through every step of the process.
