Why Do Divorce & Family Law Attorneys Trust Burning Tree?
Because when addiction is involved, getting the right treatment can change everything.
Legal Counsel Meets Life-Altering Decisions
Divorce and custody battles often reveal more than legal conflict—they uncover addiction and dysfunction threatening families and futures.
Crisis signs you might notice:
- Substance use affecting custody decisions
- Addiction driving destructive family dynamics
- Client behavior undermining their legal case
- Children at risk due to parental substance use
Your Role Matters
You have a unique vantage point to see how addiction shapes legal outcomes and family stability.
Referring clients to appropriate treatment can:
- Improve custody and divorce outcomes
- Protect children from ongoing harm
- Transform destructive patterns into recovery
When Should You Recommend Long-Term Treatment?
You may consider suggesting addiction treatment when you observe the following:
- Substance use that compromises custody or visitation rights
- Addiction contributes to the breakdown of the marriage
- Financial mismanagement that impacts settlements or support obligations
- Legal strategy benefits, such as demonstrating accountability and willingness to change
- There is a need to protect the client’s future, especially where children or significant financial assets are involved
These financial patterns often reflect deeper personal struggles. When a CPA connects the dots, meaningful intervention can occur.
What Red Flags Might You See?
Your interactions with clients may reveal key warning signs:
- Erratic behavior during meetings or proceedings
- Obvious physical symptoms of substance use (e.g., weight loss, disheveled appearance)
- Conflicted or toxic family dynamics, especially involving children
- Legal issues such as DUIs or protective orders stemming from addiction
- Disclosures from family members or the client themselves
“The attorneys who refer to Burning Tree Ranch see the bigger picture. They don’t just fight legal battles—they help change lives by guiding clients toward real recovery.”
Brook McKenzie, LCDC
CEO, Burning Tree Programs
Why Do Attorneys Refer Clients to Burning Tree?
Burning Tree Ranch specializes in long-term residential treatment for high-conflict, chronic relapse cases—many involving family breakdown, custody risk, or legal mandates. We offer:
- 8–14 months of residential care for complex SUD and co-occurring disorders
- 12 months of aftercare with built-in accountability
- Coordination with attorneys, clinicians, and families
- Discreet support for professionals navigating high-stakes family dynamics
How Can You Ethically Support Families in Crisis?
While you are not a clinician, your professional judgment and ethical responsibility may lead you to encourage treatment when:
- Addiction is harming the client’s legal position or family well-being
- Treatment can support a more favorable or fair resolution
- The client is at risk of losing parental rights or financial security
A thoughtful recommendation—even just the proper referral—can be a lifeline.
How Can You Create Legal Leverage that Supports Recovery?
You may also use legally grounded tools to support engagement:
- Include conditional terms in custody or settlement agreements tied to treatment completion
- Build treatment into mediation plans, showing good faith and future-focus
- Collaborate with clinicians to create multidisciplinary recovery plans
- Request court-monitored compliance, creating accountability that strengthens outcomes
- Educate on the consequences of failing to pursue treatment (e.g., loss of parenting time, reduced settlements)
These aren’t punishments—they’re protective structures that serve legal interests and human needs.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
If addiction is derailing your client’s case—and their life—we’re here to help you guide them toward a new path.
Have a referral?
I’d be happy to help.
Call or submit an inquiry, and feel free to request me directly.
Brook McKenzie, LCDC
CEO, Burning Tree Programs
“Burning Tree not only saved my sons life they gave him a life we could have only imagined. It was his last chance since all other programs had failed. Our lives had been a living hell. They educate the entire family and you will never find a more understanding or compassionate group of people dedicated to your loved ones recovery.”
Lisa M.
Family of Burning Tree Alumni
Have a Referral?
If you suspect a client is facing a crisis bigger than balance sheets, we’re here to help. Confidentially, ethically, and without pressure.