Struggling with Drug or Alcohol Addiction in a Child Custody Battle

This video is about the power of ‘the truth’ if you're struggling with drug or alcohol addiction in a custody battle.

I have been on both sides of the aisles in these types of cases during custody battles. I have represented the parent who has the addiction problem and I'm representing several parents right now in custody cases who have addiction issues. I’ve also been on the other side with the parent that was worried about their children because the other parent is a drug addict or has an alcohol issue.

If you are in the middle of a custody case and you are the one that struggling right now with alcohol or drug abuse, I want you to think about something. You’re not perfect. I'm not perfect. The other parent is not perfect.

Going to family law court and trying to deny the fact that you're not perfect just isn't going to work. Be honest and tell the judge what issues you're facing. Tell the judge that every day's a struggle, the struggle for you to get through the day without thinking about getting high or taking that drink even in spite of the fact that it's not good for you or not good for your kids. Tell the judge that you are trying to do things to get better and show your judge real examples of going to meetings for example, getting drug tested or enrolling in substance abuse programs and family support programs.

I think that most judges are probably going to respect you a lot more than if you walk into the courtroom and deny that problem exists because most judges are pretty smart and intuitive and they can see through lies. They can see through lies especially if it's having positive and evidence shows that there's a drug issue but you're not admitting it the judges can think you're in denial and it does it's probably not that respect you very much for that and it is probably not going to trust you a lot

Let the judge know you are open to their suggestions and open to getting the help that the court thinks you need. There’s power in that because judges really want parents to have relationships with the children, even people who have drug and alcohol issues. But you have to do something to help yourself and your situation.

Remember your kids need you and if you want to get parenting time with your child, you have to take the steps to get better, you have to be honest with yourself and you have to be honest with the judge.