If you have children and are considering divorce, you may have concerns regarding child custody and visitation arrangements (aka parenting time) if your spouse has a history of substance abuse issues. If your soon to be ex-spouse is abusing drugs or alcohol, you may feel strongly that he or she cannot provide adequate supervision or model appropriate behavior for your children. If you have concerns, it is important to discuss this with your family law attorney to make the best arrangements for your children.
Illinois Child Custody Dispute | Putting the Best Interests of the Children First
- In cases where there is a preponderance of evidence that a parent is engaged in conduct which may potentially endanger a child’s mental, moral, or physical health, or impair a child’s emotional development, the court will enter orders to protect the child from harm.
- Orders may include necessary reductions and adjustments to parenting responsibilities (legal custody) or parenting time (physical custody) or eliminate a parent’s rights altogether depending on the circumstances.
- The court can also issue a restraining order to limit a parent’s communication or proximity to the children and the other parent if necessary. In cases where parenting time is awarded despite a history of problems, the court can require third party supervision for an extended period of time to ensure the safety and well-being of your kids while they are spending time with the other parent.
- Those struggling with drug or alcohol issues may be required to complete a treatment program for drug and alcohol abuse and will likely be ordered to abstain from possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs in or around the exercise of parenting time.
Illinois Child Custody Dispute Lawyer
If you are considering divorce and are concerned about the custody of your children with regard to a spouse’s substance abuse, contact an Illinois child custody dispute law firm of Ronald L. Bell & Associates PC for help today at 847-495-6000.