If you are in the middle of a custody fight with your co-parent while struggling to keep an addiction in check, you really have an uphill battle to wage. If you ever wondered if your drinking or drug use was problematic, this is your red flag waving.
Now is the time to get really honest with yourself for the sake of your child(ren). Below is some important information about how addiction can affect your custody rights.
What the courts consider
When determining the custody of children in divorce, the courts are bound by duty to rule in the best interests of the child. Typically, this means that a parent in active addiction won’t be able to exercise visitation unless they are sober or supervised.
Parental substance abuse affects your kids
The American Academy of Pediatrics has linked parental addiction to psychological and emotional problems in the addicts’ children. Kids who have one or both parents suffering from substance abuse face a greater risk of developing their own addictions later.
Recovery is a journey
While detox and rehab can get you clean, it is up to the parent addict to actively pursue recovery by getting a sponsor, attending meetings and diligently working their program. Parents must also create a healing space to reconnect with the children who weren’t prioritized during their addiction.
Courts respond positively to parents who enter rehab of their own volition. If the judge sees that you are serious about your recovery, it’s possible to protect your custody and visitation rights during divorce.
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