Aurora, IL Divorce Attorneys for Cases Involving Mental Health Matters

Dedicated Lawyers Helping Address Mental Illness and Substance Abuse in Aurora, Illinois Divorce Cases

A couple might decide to get divorced for a number of reasons. In some cases, the couple may have gotten married at a very young age, and, over time, they simply grew apart. In other situations, the spouses might have been driven apart by cheating, dishonesty, or other destructive behavior. Sometimes, however, a marriage might break down as the result of mental health issues or addictions. These issues can be challenging to deal with in any circumstances, but when they need to be addressed during a divorce, it is important to proceed with caution.

Attorney Matthew M. Williams has been serving clients in Northern Illinois for more than 20 years, and he understands the sensitive and personal nature of divorce cases that involve mental health issues and addiction. The team at The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. recognizes the importance of being straightforward and honest when addressing the difficulties that often arise in these cases. We work to help our clients address these concerns correctly while protecting the safety of themselves and their children. If you are concerned about how your spouse's psychological problems could affect your divorce, we are here to help.

Addressing Mental Health Issues and Substance Abuse During Divorce

If your spouse is dealing with addiction, mental illness, or any other psychological issue—even if he or she has not been formally diagnosed—you are probably suffering as well. Mental health concerns and substance abuse are often linked to unpredictable behavior that could include physical violence or emotional abuse. You might feel obligated to stay married to your spouse, even if he or she is refusing to seek help or manage the condition. If the situation is unlikely to improve, ending your marriage might be the best option for you, your spouse, and your children.

Our attorneys know how hard it can be to tell your spouse that you want a divorce, especially if he or she is dealing with psychological issues or addictions. There is no way to know how your partner will react. We can help you analyze your situation and devise a strategy that will allow you and your children to stay safe. Moving out of the family home, for example, might be a good first step, but doing so may not be enough if you are worried about the possibility of violence. If necessary, we can also help you get an order of protection to keep you and your children safe throughout the divorce process.

Mental Health Concerns and Parenting Arrangements

When making decisions about parental responsibilities and parenting time, the court will make your children's best interests its top priority. When addictions or psychological issues are a factor, each parent may be required to submit to a psychological evaluation so that the court will have a full understanding of the situation. Depending on the severity and nature of your spouse's problems, his or her decision-making rights and parenting time could be affected. For example, if your soon-to-be ex-spouse has a serious alcohol addiction, the court might limit his or her parenting time until he or she completes a detox and rehabilitation program.

We understand that mental health and addiction concerns are usually ongoing issues. Even if you can reach a reasonable solution during your divorce, things could change quickly and dramatically down the road. For example, if your former spouse decides to get help or overcomes his or her addiction several years after your divorce, he or she might wish to seek a parenting plan modification so that he or she can try to establish a new, healthy relationship with your children. A relapse, however, could prompt you to take renewed action to keep your children safe.

Contact Our Aurora, Illinois Divorce Lawyers for Psychological Evaluations

If your partner is dealing with mental, emotional, or psychological issues or has substance abuse problems, it is a good idea to have a strategy in place before you begin the divorce process. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we can help you take the necessary steps to keep you and your children safe. During your divorce, we can ensure that psychological evaluations are performed to identify any concerns and make sure they will be addressed correctly. We will work to ensure that your family's needs will be addressed both now and in the future.

Contact our Aurora divorce attorneys at 630-409-8184 to set up a free, confidential consultation and discuss your case. We are ready to help you achieve safety for yourself and your children and make sure you will be able to end your marriage and move forward with your life.