Addiction is often the elephant in the room.
You see it. The kids see it. Maybe even the neighbors see it.
But nobody wants to talk about it.
Until now.
I’m
Steve Kaplan, a divorce attorney based in Colts Neck, and for the past 37 years, I’ve helped people all across Monmouth County safely and strategically divorce spouses dealing with substance abuse.
Whether your spouse is misusing drugs, alcohol, or both, it changes everything — custody, finances, communication, and credibility in court.
Here’s how to protect yourself.
🚨 Step One: Don’t Go It Alone
If your spouse has a substance problem, the stakes are higher — especially when kids are involved.
That’s why your first move should be to speak with an attorney who understands the intersection of divorce and addiction.
I’ve handled hundreds of cases like this in Freehold Family Court, and I can help you create a legal strategy that puts your safety and your children first.
📓 Step Two: Document Everything
Courts don’t act on feelings. They act on evidence.
Start keeping a record of:
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Incidents involving drug or alcohol use
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Dates, times, and what happened
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Photos, texts, voicemails, or police reports
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Missed parenting time, reckless behavior, or threats
This information may be critical when the judge makes decisions about custody, parenting time, or safety orders.
👧 Step Three: Protect the Kids
New Jersey courts prioritize the best interests of the child.
If your spouse’s substance use puts your children at risk, you need to be ready to prove it.
You may need to:
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Request supervised parenting time
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Seek a substance abuse evaluation
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Petition the court for temporary custody or protective orders
Don’t assume the court “will figure it out.” You need to show them the impact — calmly, clearly, and with documentation.
⚖️ What If They’re Trying to Get Clean?
Great. That’s progress. But keep in mind:
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Courts appreciate rehabilitation efforts,
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But your job is to protect your children and your future
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Not to manage your spouse’s recovery
If your spouse is actively in rehab, take note. If they’re refusing help or relapsing, document that too.
🎁 Want More Help?
I created Steve Kaplan’s Divorce Course to give people like you the information they need before making costly decisions.
You’ll start with:
“Steve Kaplan’s Guide to Divorce in New Jersey” —
A quick, 10-minute read that helps you understand how NJ divorce really works, especially when addiction is involved.
📩 What You’ll Get When You Subscribe
After the guide, you’ll get:
Over 100 short, powerful lessons about:
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Handling custody when your spouse uses drugs
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Presenting substance abuse in court
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Avoiding common legal mistakes
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Staying calm while protecting your rights
All written in plain English.
All based on real Monmouth County cases.
✅ Want the Edge?
You should sign up for the free course now.
It takes less than 10 seconds.
You don’t even need to give your name — just an email.
You can unsubscribe anytime.
But most people don’t.
Because the material works.
Until next time,
Steve
Steven J. Kaplan, Esq.
Specializing in Divorce in Monmouth County
5 Professional Circle
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
(732) 845-9010
www.KaplanDivorce.com