You know that you have been drinking and drugging way too much lately. In fact, you privately worry that you might have crossed the line from partying to full-on addiction.
You try to rationalize your drug and alcohol use because your pending divorce has been very stressful on you. Getting your daily buzz has become your default stress reliever. But you were stunned to learn that your soon-to-be ex-spouse is seeking sole custody based on your history of drinking and using drugs. Should you be concerned?
In a word, yes.
Parental substance abuse can indeed affect child custody
The family law courts rule on custody matters with the best interests of the children foremost in their decisions. While it is generally believed that kids do best when they share time with both parents as equally as is possible, if substance abuse is a factor, your custody rights could indeed be affected.
You do have options
Simply acknowledging that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol is the first step to recovery. Taking the initiative to get sober by entering treatment and/or attending AA or NA meetings can be positively interpreted by the court that you are serious about being a good parent to your children.
Allow your attorney to guide you
While you may have a lot of work to do to get sober, you also need to preserve your right to parent your children appropriately. Here is where your West Palm Beach family law attorney can prove invaluable with their guidance and support in your custody battle. They will know how best to frame for the court your quest for sobriety so that you have the most expansive custody rights possible.