YUMA, Arizona. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse
, every day, 115 people die from opioid overdose. Opioid abuse, substance abuse, and addiction in general, tears apart families and leads to divorce in some cases. There may be as many as 12 million alcohol addicts, as many as 2 million cocaine addicts, and another 10 plus million people with gambling or eating disorders or other addiction issues. Divorcing an addicted former partner can bring with it a range of unique complications. For example, if your ex spent your money on drugs or racked up debt to pay for his or her habit, you may be facing financial challenges stemming from your loved one’s addiction. If you have children and your loved one is addicted, it is normal to want to protect your children from the chaos.

According to Psychology Today
, there are also many emotional factors that play a role when a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol. The addicted individual might get sick, or be unable to work. Or, the addicted person may lie and steal. These actions can destroy a marriage and can erode trust. They can also leave a family struggling financially.

When it comes to divorcing an addict, the sober partner may have a stronger case when it comes to seeking sole custody of the children. However, the sober partner will need to provide evidence about their ex’s addiction. Depending on how serious the other parent’s addiction issues are, the courts may rule for supervised visitation or deny the addicted parent overnight visitation. Child custody matters can be complex. Having a qualified child custody lawyer like Schneider & Onofry, P.C. in Yuma, Arizona
can help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

Another factor to consider is division of assets. If your ex spent your money unwisely, you may be able to pursue a divorce settlement that protects your finances going forward. Of course, you’ll need to show how your substance abuse impacted your family financially. A partner’s substance abuse can also impact your alimony award as well. For example, if your former partner’s addiction led to the loss of your savings, you may be entitled to receive alimony in the future.

Taking a divorce settlement to court can place unfavorable facts about your private life on the public record. Because of this, many couples divorcing due to addiction issues will often try to settle their cases outside of court. In fact, this factor can sometimes lead to a more favorable settlement for the non-addicted spouse. A divorce lawyer can work with you as you navigate either litigation or an out of court settlement.

However, no divorce settlement involving addiction will necessarily be easy. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. are divorce lawyers in Yuma, Arizona
who work closely with individuals facing challenging divorces. Our firm can review your case and help you get the best possible outcome permitted under the law. Visit us at https://www.soarizonalaw.com/
to learn more.

Schneider & Onofry, P.C.

207 W. 2nd St.
Yuma, AZ 85364

928-257-4887