Alcohol Abuse and Divorce Rates in California
The effects of alcohol on a person’s health and life continue to be a significant national health crisis. Alcohol abuse has an especially detrimental impact on families and is a contributing factor to many divorce cases in California.
Understanding the legal and social impact of alcohol abuse on the divorce process is crucial for those navigating family law in Los Angeles.
How Alcohol Abuse Contributes to Divorce
Alcohol abuse is frequently cited as a cause and consequence of divorce. It disrupts family and marital relationships by causing trust issues, financial problems, and emotional distress.
Although substance abuse is frequently given as a cause for divorce, alcohol’s actual impact on divorce rates might be underestimated.
The Impact of Divorce on Alcohol Abuse
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that divorce itself significantly increases the risk of developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The increase is nearly six times higher for men and over seven times higher for women than for those not divorced.
Divorce can also trigger relapse in individuals with prior alcohol abuse problems, compounding family law complexities. Remarriage after divorce tends to reduce the risk of AUD. This suggests that alcohol abuse recovery correlates with restored family stability.
Legal Issues in California for Alcohol Abuse and Divorce
California is a no-fault divorce state. The most common ground for divorce is “irreconcilable differences.” This law simplifies the divorce process and does not require proving misconduct, such as alcohol abuse, to obtain a divorce. However, alcoholism can be relevant in child custody and support decisions.
Asset and Property Division
The state follows community property laws. The mandate is an equal 50/50 split of assets and debts acquired during marriage. Financial instability caused by alcohol abuse often influences divorce negotiations and settlements.
A spouse may claim that an alcoholic partner squandered the marital assets without their knowledge. As such, the “innocent” spouse may ask the court to account for proven marital waste when dividing community property.
Child Custody and Visitation
In cases involving alcohol abuse, courts may consider the safety and best interests of children during custody decisions. A judge may order mandatory supervised visitation for the alcoholic parent, especially if they’re known to be abusive when drinking. The judge could also order treatment requirements for a spouse with an alcohol abuse problem.
How Can an Attorney Help With a Divorce Complicated By Alcohol Abuse?
In Los Angeles and the surrounding area, divorce rates remain significant, with thousands filing annually. Substance abuse—including alcohol abuse—is a leading contributor to family instability. Los Angeles family lawyers experienced in handling cases involving alcohol abuse are essential to protect clients’ interests related to child custody, spousal support, and equitable division of property.
Issues in Alcohol-Related Divorce Cases
Because there is so much at stake when filing for divorce and custody, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible in the process. An attorney can advise you of your rights and legal options. They can also help you establish safeguards to protect yourself, your children, and your assets from a spouse with an alcohol addiction.
If alcohol abuse is impacting your marriage and divorce process in California, consulting a family law attorney familiar with these dynamics is critical. A divorce attorney can help in arranging protective orders, custody modifications, temporary alimony, and child support agreements that consider addiction’s impact.
Court-Recommended Treatment and Support
Individuals facing divorce complicated by alcohol abuse have access to counseling, treatment programs, and community resources designed to address these intertwined issues.
Treatment programs and support groups may be required or recommended by courts to support recovery and family reunification when appropriate. The court may require these programs to protect the best interests of the children by helping a parent overcome an addiction.
Navigating Alcohol Abuse and Divorce
Navigating the complicated intersection between alcohol abuse and divorce in California requires:
- Deciding whether to leave or stay
- Prioritizing your well-being and safety
- Taking steps to protect your children’s physical and emotional states, such as obtaining Orders of Protection
- Gathering documentation to support your claims for custody, support, and property division
- Building a support system and accessing resources
- Setting firm boundaries
- Determining the best way to co-parent with someone struggling with an alcohol addiction
An alcoholic partner can make it challenging to gather evidence and take protective steps, so working with a Los Angeles family law attorney is essential to protect your future.
Contact Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers to Speak With a Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer Today
There are thousands of divorces each year in California. Addressing alcohol-related issues precisely within the legal framework is vital for many families seeking resolution. Because each case is unique, you need personalized legal advice customized to the circumstances involved in your case, your interests, and your children’s needs.
Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers is committed to providing guidance tailored to these challenges. Contact our office at (310) 271-6290 for a confidential consultation with a Los Angeles divorce attorney today.
We serve all through Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and its surrounding areas. Visit any of our offices at:
Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles Office
550 S. Hill Street STE 1467
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 277-2586
Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers Beverly Hills Office
9465 Wilshire Blvd #333
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(213) 277-2586