A parent’s drug use can seriously harm your child

Children are fragile. That’s why child custody matters have to be handled delicately with an eye on what supports the child’s best interests. Yet, in many of these cases there are issues that have to aggressively confronted head-on, as failing to do so could leave your child in a situation where his or her physical, emotional, and/or psychological well-being is put at risk.

The dangers of parental substance abuse

One of those issues is a child’s exposure to parental substance abuse. Many people overlook the effects that such exposure can have on a child, but the truth of the matter is that they can be quite severe. The following are just some ways that a child can be affected by exposure to parental substance abuse, both in the short and long-term: anxiety, depression, stress and other behavioral issues; taking on a parental role for siblings when the parent is unable or unwilling to do so; poor cognitive and social development; bad school performance; and increased risk of abuse and/or neglect.

Addressing parental substance abuse in a child custody case

Evidence of a child’s exposure to parental substance abuse can go a long way in obtaining a custody modification or a change to existing visitation, but you can’t base your case on bald assertions. You need facts to back up your claims. So to build your case, you’ll want to talk to witnesses, gather criminal records, and maybe even have your child see a therapist to see if any damage has already been caused. There are a lot of ways to build your case, you just have to find the path that best suits your circumstances.

Don’t put your child at risk by facing these matters alone

Far too many parents try to litigate their child custody cases on their own. This can be a huge mistake that has tremendous implications for your child. You could benefit enormously from having an advocate on your side who knows the law, how to craft legal arguments, and how to be persuasive. So, if you want to maximize your chances of success in your child custody case, then you might want to discuss the facts of your situation with a family law attorney of your choosing.