Berry Moorman attorney and shareholder John J. Schrot, Jr. recently spoke at a Continuing Legal Education webinar on the topic of Substance Abuse and Divorce: Key Legal Considerations in Family Law. This was part of a Family Law presentation on Divorce Dynamics: Substance Issues, Property Management, and Ethical Considerations.
John Schrot outlined the constantly evolving questions about traditional judicial approaches to abuse and addiction in divorce. Some topics for discussion were how substance abuse is used as a basis for how a parent’s use of substances impact custody/parenting time determinations, and implications for property settlement and spousal support.
Alcohol and substance use disorders, including alcohol and controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, and opioids, are on the rise in many parts of the United States, significantly impacting affected individuals and their families. In the context of divorce, these disorders can have profound effects on custody, parenting time and, in certain cases, the division of marital assets and spousal support. The relationship between the souses and their children often faces additional strain. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including legal counsel experienced in handling divorce cases involving substance use disorders and therapeutic interventions such as rehabilitation programs and therapy. This CLE program delved into various legal challenges and considerations surrounding divorces impacted by alcohol and substance use disorders.
Key topics discussed by Mr. Schrot were:
- Impact On Legal Custody and Parenting Time
- Assets Division/Support Considerations
- Judicial Analysis and Bias
- Court-Ordered Treatment and Substance Testing
- Abuse and Safety Measures
- Proof Issues and Expert Witnesses
- Strategies
For more than 40 years, Mr. Schrot has been helping individuals through complex divorce. He is known for handling high-stakes divorce, and for keeping clients’ cases private. Mr. Schrot helps families achieve amicable divorces while ensuring clients receive their fair share and/or protection of their children.