Lombard, IL Divorce Attorneys for Psychological Issues

Skilled Lawyers Helping Clients Address Psychological Complications or Addictions During a Lombard, Illinois

Getting a divorce can be difficult in any situation. However, mental health challenges and addiction issues can add even more complexity to the divorce process. Whether these concerns affect one or both spouses, they can influence the level of conflict, the ability to reach agreements, and the court's decisions on critical matters such as child custody and financial support. Handling these sensitive issues requires a thoughtful legal approach that balances compassion with a focus on protecting your rights and your family's well-being.

At A. Traub & Associates, we assist clients in Lombard and DuPage County with divorce cases in which mental health or substance abuse concerns may play a role. Our attorneys can provide guidance on both legal and personal matters, helping our clients address these challenges while advocating for solutions that will promote stability for a family.

The Role of Mental Health and Addictions in a Divorce

There are a variety of psychological issues or concerns about substance abuse that could affect the divorce process, including:

• Depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders may affect a spouse's ability to participate constructively in settlement negotiations.
• Personality disorders can contribute to high levels of conflict, or a spouse may engage in manipulative behavior to try to win at all costs.
• Addictions to drugs, alcohol, or gambling may affect a spouse's judgment or cause them to engage in behavior that could potentially be dangerous. These issues may affect decisions about child custody or other divorce-related issues.

These issues may increase the level of tension between spouses during a divorce. In cases where one party fears for the safety of themselves or their children, constructive negotiations may not be possible, and litigation may be required.

Requesting Psychological Evaluations During Divorce

In some situations, it may be necessary to request a psychological evaluation as part of the divorce process. Illinois courts may order such evaluations to assess:

• A parent's mental health and how psychological issues may affect their ability to care for their children.
• Whether substance abuse or addiction may put a child's safety or well-being at risk.
• The dynamics between parents and children in contested custody cases, including whether parents will be able to work together cooperatively to raise their children in the future.

Psychological evaluations are typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals who have been appointed by the court. These evaluations may involve interviews, psychological testing, and observations to provide the court with insights into mental health concerns and recommendations for parenting arrangements.

The attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can provide guidance on when it may be necessary to request evaluations. We can help protect our client's rights during this process, making sure they understand what to expect and how the results of an evaluation may play a role in decisions made during the divorce process.

Impact on Child Custody, Financial Support, and Property Division

Mental health and addiction issues can influence several aspects of a divorce, including:

• Child Custody and Parenting Time: Illinois courts focus on protecting the best interests of children who are involved in family law cases. If a parent's mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders may affect their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for their children, the court may limit their parenting time or require supervised visitation. In some cases, treatment or counseling may be a condition for expanded parenting rights.
• Financial Support: A spouse who is struggling with mental health issues or addictions may require financial support to ensure that they can meet their needs. This may lead courts to award spousal support to a spouse who is unable to work or who needs additional assistance.
• Asset Dissipation: Substance abuse or gambling addictions may lead a spouse to misuse marital funds. The court may consider these behaviors when dividing property equitably, and steps may be taken to ensure that the other spouse is reimbursed for dissipation committed by a person with an addiction.

Our attorneys work to ensure that these sensitive matters are addressed in a way that protects our clients' rights. We will also advocate for arrangements that will protect children's safety and welfare.

Addressing Challenges Related to Mental Health or Substance Abuse

At A. Traub & Associates, we help our clients develop legal strategies that are both firm and compassionate. We assist clients by:

• Helping to document and present evidence of mental health concerns or addictions when these issues are relevant to child custody, property division, or other decisions made during a divorce.
• Requesting psychological evaluations where appropriate and preparing clients for the process.
• Advocating for necessary safeguards, such as supervised parenting time, the requirement to receive treatment for substance abuse, or orders of protection.
• Supporting clients who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues to ensure that their legal rights are protected.

Contact Our Lombard Divorce Lawyers for Mental Health and Addiction Issues

When your divorce involves concerns related to mental health or addictions, A. Traub & Associates can provide the legal counsel you need to address these sensitive matters correctly. Contact our Lombard, IL divorce attorneys today by calling 630-426-0196 to arrange a consultation.