Even when you are confident in your decision, divorce can still be a stressful process. The legal proceedings of a divorce often take a long time, causing intense emotional and mental stress for the parties involved. The last thing you need during this tough period is more demands on your energy, emotional health, and time, which is bound to happen if you receive a DUI conviction.
Dealing with both a DUI conviction and divorce is no easy task. Not only do you have to worry about your DUI charges, but you may also wonder whether a DUI conviction will affect your divorce case. Read on to learn four possible impacts of a DUI conviction on your divorce proceedings.
Child Custody
If you have a child with your spouse, a DUI conviction will likely significantly affect the judge’s decision of who gets child custody. Usually, courts do not overlook parents with drinking problems, especially when the children involved are very young. The judge will consider your child’s safety and well-being first when making child custody decisions, and with a DUI conviction, the final decision may be in favor of your spouse. An important thing to remember after receiving a DUI conviction during divorce is that your spouse may want to push for sole custody of your children because of the situation. If your non-DUI spouse ends with sole custody, it may further lead to a situation where you have absolutely no input in your child’s medical treatment, education, and other major life decisions. Getting your driver’s license suspended or revoked could also reduce your time with your kids, even when you get shared custody.
Increased Financial Stress
Another important thing you should know about the possible impact of a DUI conviction on your divorce proceedings is the financial stress you may experience. Everything from hiring a divorce lawyer to paying legal costs and splitting assets with your spouse can make divorce expensive. In addition to this, there are several mandatory costs you will have to pay after being convicted of DUI, adding to your monetary burden and increasing your financial stress.
Emotional Distress
Dealing with a DUI conviction while navigating a divorce can increase stress levels. The financial and emotional strain of dealing with the DUI could affect your composure and behavior during your divorce proceedings, making you more hostile and aggressive than need be. The best way to handle both proceedings while keeping your emotions in check is to have a divorce attorney with expertise in both family and criminal law.
Increased Complexity of Divorce Proceedings
Receiving a DUI conviction amidst a divorce case can make the situation more complex. The question of whether or not your marital funds will foot the legal expenses of a DUI could create more friction between you and your spouse. Moreso, dealing with DUI takes a long time, which can negatively affect divorce proceedings, court appearances, lawyer meetings, and other commitments.
Choosing Jackson Bibby Awareness Group
At Jackson Bibby Awareness Group, we understand the complexity of going through a divorce and dealing with a DUI conviction. Our DUI education program includes classes, mentoring, and counseling set up at strategic times of the day to ensure you have time to attend to other commitments. We also make financial arrangements for DUI offenders with financial struggles. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information if you have any inquiries about our services.
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