The Impact of Substance Abuse on Family Law Cases

Substance abuse can have a profound impact on family law cases in Georgia, particularly in matters related to child custody, divorce, and spousal support. Courts consider the safety and well-being of children to be a top priority when making custody determinations, and substance abuse issues are often a significant factor in these decisions. If one parent has a history of substance abuse, the court may modify custody arrangements or impose conditions on visitation to protect the children. 

In custody cases, a parent’s substance abuse problem may lead to supervised visitation or even a loss of custody if the court finds that the parent’s behavior poses a risk to the child. Georgia law mandates that child custody decisions be made based on the best interests of the child, and a history of substance abuse can influence the court’s judgment. Courts may order drug testing, counseling, or treatment programs as conditions for regaining custody or visitation rights. 



In divorce cases, substance abuse may also impact the division of property and spousal support. For example, a spouse who has been affected by the other party’s substance abuse may be entitled to a larger portion of the marital estate or may receive more substantial alimony to compensate for the emotional or financial strain caused by the abuse. 

Additionally, substance abuse issues can complicate the enforcement of child support and alimony orders. If the abusing spouse is unable or unwilling to meet their financial obligations due to addiction, it may require court intervention to ensure compliance with orders. 

If you are facing a family law case involving substance abuse or need assistance in addressing these issues, contact our office at 770-741-1570 or visit www.chisolmtrimblelaw.com. Our firm has been named one of Georgia’s top 10 family law firms, and our Managing Attorney has been selected as one of Georgia’s Super Lawyers.