While mental health issues are often a factor in divorces, drug and alcohol abuse are even more common. Millions of Americans suffer from drug and alcohol addictions. This number is only growing with the current opioid epidemic. Battling these addictions can be extremely difficult on a person’s well-being, but it doesn’t just effect that person – drug and alcohol dependency have significant effects on all of the others in the addict’s life, including spouses and especially children.
Many people try to get their spouses help by having them enter into treatment, but while admirable, rehabilitation and treatment is not always successful. Unfortunately, sometimes the only remedy is to remove yourself and your children from the addict themselves and divorce is often a natural result. The decision may be a difficult one to make, but it is important to protect yourself and your family. If a parent is abusing alcohol or drugs to the point where it impairs their ability to take care of their children, then that will play into whether or not they will receive custody (known in Arizona as “Legal Decision Making Authority).
If you, a friend, family member or loved are in need of assistance with a family law matter, and need the advice and counsel of an experienced attorney, please call OWENS & PERKINS at 480.994.8824 to schedule your free 30 minute consultation.
