Individuals and families going through a divorce can experience a litany of difficulties such as mental health issues, physical health issues, and problems with addiction and substance abuse. It is important to understand that help is available from government resources, independent organizations, friends, and family. If you or a loved one has been struggling with alcohol or drug dependence during or after a divorce, please do not wait to seek help. Substance abuse and divorce can lead to negative consequences .when it comes to child custody, alimony, child visitation, and much more.
The divorce attorneys of The Bronzino Law Firm are here to help. Please call our Sea Girt or Brick, NJ offices today by dialing (732) 812-3102 to discuss the details of your divorce or other family law matter in a free and confidential consultation.
Substance Abuse as Grounds for Divorce in Ocean, NJ
Our Ocean, NJ divorce attorneys understand that the grounds for divorce can have a material impact on divorce proceedings and your eventual settlement agreement. With this in mind, a grounds for divorce based on substance abuse and/or addiction can cast a negative light on the divorce defendant. Pursuant to New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 2A:34-2 Causes for Divorce from Bond of Matrimony, fault divorce may be granted on the basis of:
“Voluntarily induced addiction or habituation to any narcotic drug as defined in the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, P.L.1970, c.226 or habitual drunkenness for a period of 12 or more consecutive months subsequent to marriage and next preceding the filing of the complaint”.
Manasquan Divorce Attorneys Discuss Substance Abuse and Divorce
At times of heightened stress, there is generally and increased risk that individuals will turn to drugs and alcohol for “self-medication”. Therefore, when our Manasquan divorce attorneys consider the connection between addiction and divorce, we believe that there are two primary issues:
Substance abuse which leads to divorce – addiction to narcotics or alcohol is a legal grounds for fault divorce in New Jersey as discussed in the previous section. However, the point of contention is whether or not the offending spouse was addicted to narcotics both voluntarily and habitually.
Substance abuse which arises during or after the divorce process – another common problem is when spouses and family members have issues with abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with the issues of divorce. Self-medication may be tempting, but studies have shown time and time again that the long term damage is never worth the potential temporary relief (and in most cases, there is no relief at all).
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Resources: Neptune, NJ Divorce Lawyers
If you or a loved one are actively experiencing issues with addiction, you do not need to fight this battle alone. Substance abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of the individual and their family if not successfully treated. The state of New Jersey and some private institutions provide useful services for the local communities, including:
- New Jersey Department of Health Searchable Directory for Addiction Services
- New Jersey’s Addiction Helpline
- New Jersey Counseling and Addiction Services
- NJ.com Article on local Addiction Services
Experiencing Issues During or after Divorce? Contact our Divorce Attorneys with Offices in Wall and Sea Girt Today
Divorce attorney Peter J. Bronzino has extensive experience working with clients and families across Ocean and Monmouth County communities such as Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Brick, Neptune, Toms River, Jackson, and all of Central New Jersey. We are proud to offer legal services which deal not only with the nuts and bolts of divorce, but also concerning the more personal issues which often result from a difficult and emotional time. Our smaller firm size allows our divorce team to provide highly personalized solutions all while charging reasonable and highly competitive rates.
For a free and confidential consultation with Attorney Bronzino, please contact us online or call our Sea Girt or Brick, NJ offices today at (732) 812-3102.