Substance abuse frequently leads to less than optimal results for parents in Georgia custody battles. An addiction can throw doubt upon your fitness as a parent, potentially preventing you from spending much time with your kids after a divorce. If you have experienced this firsthand, you may be highly motivated to address your substance abuse problem in order to fight for your rights as a parent and play a more active role in your child’s life. Is it possible to achieve this goal if you complete treatment for your addiction?
Does Completing Rehab Count as a “Change in Circumstance?”
Custody arrangements in Georgia are not written in stone, but they are difficult to modify nonetheless. In order to modify this court-ordered agreement, you will need to show that there has been a substantial change in circumstance. In other words, you need to show that your substance abuse issue no longer exists. If your current custody agreement prevents you from spending much time with your children on the basis of this addiction, family courts may re-examine the situation and make the necessary changes.
Can I Regain Custody Immediately After Completing Rehab?
You may need to show evidence of an extended period of drug-free behavior in order to convince the family courts that the situation has changed. Although completing rehab is certainly a positive development, many people relapse after just a few weeks or months. Therefore, completing rehab may not be enough – and you may need to show that you have achieved a stable, drug-free lifestyle that you can maintain long-term.
Georgia Has Strict Guidelines When it Comes to Rehab and Custody
According to the Recovery Village in Atlanta, Georgia, family courts have strict guidelines when it comes to this situation. According to state policy, parents may be reunited with their children if they meet certain requirements:
- Complete a treatment program
- Provide negative random drug test results over a period of 12 months
- Sign a special release that allows courts to review your medical records
Note that the court may provide additional requirements on a case-by-case basis. While sharing your medical records with the court might feel daunting, this is necessary to prove the completion of a treatment program. Your custody attorney in Georgia can help you with the release forms, allowing you to provide necessary documentation to the court in a streamlined manner. Choosing the right treatment center is also important, as some programs may not be recognized by family courts.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Custody Attorney in Georgia?
If you have been searching for an experienced attorney who can help with custody issues in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. We know that substance abuse is quite common in the modern era, and you should not face excessive consequences for a past addiction. If you spend the time and effort on getting clean, you may experience positive custody results. Book your consultation today to discuss how to address this issue in the most efficient manner.
