Addressing Addiction During Divorce Mediation in Cerritos
Divorce mediation may prove to be an ideal environment for addressing addiction. These private discussions may allow spouses to discuss harmful behaviors that occurred during the marriage, and they may lead to mutual understanding while ensuring fair outcomes. But how exactly would this work?
To learn more about addressing addiction during divorce, consider working with RM Law Group, LLP. Our divorce lawyers in Cerritos have experience with complex family dynamics, and we know how consequential addiction can be. Co-founding partner Jason Martinez can handle these complex situations both inside and outside of the courtroom while minimizing costs for divorcing spouses. Michael Recinos is the other co-founder of this family law firm, and he also has considerable experience with some of the most complex family law situations. With help from these divorce attorneys, addiction could be easier to address.
Why Handle Addiction Issues During Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is an example of “alternative dispute resolution” or “ADR.” Spouses who plan to pursue “uncontested divorces” often attempt mediation in order to avoid litigated divorce trials. Mediation offers numerous benefits, including potentially lower costs and less time-consuming outcomes.
Spouses who need to resolve addiction-related issues may be drawn to mediation because of its privacy. Unlike a public trial, these discussions occur behind closed doors. Spouses are free to discuss some of the more embarrassing aspects of addiction without worrying about being judged. They can also discuss other sensitive aspects of addiction, such as the possession of illegal substances.
By handling this subject outside of court, spouses can agree to handle addiction-related issues in their own way. Spouses with addiction problems may appreciate having consequences enforced by private agreements rather than public court orders. On the other hand, spouses who were harmed by addictive behavior during marriage can still achieve a sense of justice and closure.
Common Examples of Addiction Issues During Divorce
The two main types of addiction that can affect divorce are substance abuse and gambling. A spouse who has a gambling problem may have lost significant amounts of community property during the marriage. A private agreement may allow the spouses to pursue a fair property division outcome that may not otherwise be possible under normal community property rules in California. For example, the “guilty” spouse might agree to pay their ex monthly installments to cover the money lost through gambling.
Substance abuse may also lead to the “waste” of community property, but it also has implications for child custody. Parents may want to create private agreements regarding treatment plans, supervised visits, and other aspects of child custody.
Can a Divorce Law Firm in Cerritos Help?
A divorce lawyer in Cerritos may be able to help spouses navigate complex issues like addiction during mediation. RM Law Group, LLP can help you resolve these disputes without unnecessary costs and time-consuming processes. Get in touch with our experienced divorce attorneys to learn more about the next steps – and dial 866-706-3160 to get started today.
Jason Martinez is a co-founding partner of RM Law Group, LLP. His practice focuses exclusively on California Family Law and community property division, including litigation and settlement of complex and high-conflict divorce and child custody proceedings. Jason understands that divorce and family law issues have long-term effects on all family members, especially the children.
