Legal Blog
My Spouse is an Alcoholic. How Will This Impact My Custody Case?
The goal is to keep the children safe while still maintaining a relationship with their alcoholic parent. Ideally, both parents and their attorneys are on the same page with implementing safety precautions for the sake of the children. These may include the alcoholic parent enrolling into a sobriety program and maintaining a treatment plan for sobriety through therapy, support groups, etc. Subscribing to a live-time breathalyzer like Soberlink to ensure they are sober while the children are in their care is another helpful tool. Some parents have interlock devices on their vehicles to avoid driving while intoxicated. The age of the child(ren) is also a factor. As children get older, they can call 911 should they need help, but younger children are at more risk with an alcoholic parent because they can’t simply call for help.
If the alcoholic is in denial, things get more complex, and you will need to strategize with your lawyer how to best protect the child(ren).
The goal is not to punish the alcoholic but to keep the children physically and emotionally safe.
ABOUT SANDRA A. BROOKS
sbrooks@offitkurman.com | 240.507.1716
As a family law attorney, Sandra (Sandy) Brooks’ practice focuses on a wide range of aspects in regards to family law. She dedicates her time to assisting clients in domestic law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, family mediation, spousal and child support, property division, and division of retirement benefits. Other matters that fall under her jurisdiction as a family law attorney include tax consequences of divorce, mediation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, negotiating and drafting of separation agreements, domestic litigation, and post-judgment proceedings.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman, one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the United States, serves dynamic businesses, individuals and families. With 19 offices and more than 280 lawyers who counsel clients across more than 30 areas of practice, Offit Kurman helps maximize and protect business value and personal wealth by providing innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives, interests and goals. The firm is distinguished by the quality, breadth and global reach of its legal services and a unique operational structure that encourages a culture of collaboration. For more information, visit www.offitkurman.com.
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