When approaching child custody issues in Georgia, family courts consider various “best interest factors.” One of these factors is the mental health of both parents, and this could be a sticking point for many families in Georgia today. A considerable number of Georgia residents have at least one mental health disorder, which makes this situation more common than ever before. But what kind of mental health issues could affect your child custody battle? Can a custody lawyer help you fight for your rights?

Suicidal Ideations

If you struggle with suicidal ideations, you may struggle to gain custody of your child. This is because family courts are typically concerned about what might happen if you attempt suicide while caring for your children. Even if the attempt is not successful, the psychological trauma can be intense for a child who witnesses this. 

If the suicide attempt is successful, your child might be alone and unsupervised for hours or days before someone finds your body. This puts the child in serious danger, and the family court may limit your visitation rights as a result. In addition, certain suicide methods (such as filling a garage with carbon monoxide) could potentially harm your children as well. 

That being said, you should only experience negative custody consequences if you have attempted suicide in the past. You should not experience any issues if you have merely “considered” or “thought about” suicide in the past, as this is something that many people go through in life. 

Substance Abuse Problems

Today, substance abuse is considered a mental health disorder by psychological organizations throughout the country and the world. If you struggle with substance abuse, you may also struggle to get custody of your children. Serious addictions may put children in danger, especially if you have a habit of using intoxicating substances in the presence of your young ones. 

Seriously dangerous issues include driving drunk with your children in the vehicle and leaving drugs out in the open for your children to reach. If you have made these mistakes in the past, it might be difficult to fight for your custody rights. That said, a mild case of substance abuse (including alcoholism and perhaps cannabis dependency) is unlikely to affect a custody battle, as long as your children were never exposed to your habit. 

Severe Mental Health Disorders

Severe mental health disorders have a strong likelihood of affecting custody outcomes. These include schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder. 

Can a Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia Help Me?

A child custody lawyer in Georgia may be able to help if you are concerned about mental health issues. Perhaps you’re worried that your mental health disorder will affect your ability to spend time with your children. Maybe your ex is highly unstable, and you are worried about your child’s safety if they spend time with this person alone. Whatever the case may be, you can discuss the next potential steps with Lankford & Moore Law.