Drug and Alcohol Dependency is a major problem for Floridians. Dependency can affect all aspects of daily life and will affect loved ones, friends, and family. Legal issues related to drug and alcohol dependency rear their ugly head often, and legal cases involving individuals who suffer from drug and alcohol dependency are a frequent occurrence in Florida courtrooms. These issues often arise during Divorce proceedings, however, the legal weight drug and alcohol dependence carries will not affect divorce proceedings. The only aspect of a divorce proceeding that drug and alcohol dependence has any effect on is child custody. The courts take an active approach to guarantee safety for children involved with a troubled relationship or for children exposed to drug and alcohol dependence.
How serious a problem are Drug and Alcohol Dependence?
- One of the largest problems in America today. That is how serious a problem Drug and Alcohol Dependence is today. “According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Survey on Drug Use and Health,1, 23.5 million persons aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem in 2009 (9.3 percent of persons aged 12 or older). Of these, only 2.6 million—11.2 percent of those who needed treatment—received it at a specialty facility.” These facts are humbling when you understand that only 11.2% of the people who need treatment actually receive treatment. This is why drug and alcohol dependence issues are not simple to alleviate.
Is Drug and Alcohol Dependence an important legal aspect to a Divorce in Florida?
- Lots of people worry about this because they think their personal Drug and Alcohol Dependence will lead to an at fault divorce causing them additional problems. In Florida, there are only no fault divorces, which means that any issues with Drug and Alcohol Dependence will only affect child custody, child visitation rights, and other issues regarding child support. Divorce proceedings will not be hampered by drug and alcohol problems.
What happens to the kids in a Divorce involving Drug and Alcohol Dependence Issues?
- The court will not take your kids away permanently for having a drug or alcohol issue because the goal is to keep the kids with their parents and get help to the person suffering from drug and alcohol issues.
Contact Our Family Law Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale Today!
No one wants a parent who has a drug or alcohol issue, but the reality is that this situation happens and the best course of action is to treat the issue. Ignoring the Drug or Alcohol Dependence will lead to a lifetime of struggles because enabling such behavior will feed the destructive behavior. If you contact a Criminal Lawyer to deal with the issues of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, they will treat the problem as criminal because those are the issues Criminal Lawyers take on. That is why it is important to contact a Family Law Attorney to discuss Drug and Alcohol Problems in a constructive manner. If you are worried about Drug or Alcohol Dependency issues affecting your Divorce, and you live in Florida, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. for legal guidance.