Many people lose custody of their children in Georgia because of their substance abuse issues. While this situation can be demoralizing, your addiction does not necessarily need to be permanent. If you receive treatment and beat your addiction, you might have a chance to regain custody and spend more time with your children. But how easy is it to regain custody after getting clean? How long do you need to stay sober before returning to the family court? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced family law attorney in Georgia.
Addiction Isn’t the Only Important Factor When it Comes to Child Custody
If you are worried about losing custody due to your addiction issues, you should know that the family court considers a wide spectrum of factors when making their final decisions. While it’s true that substance abuse has the power to affect child custody, it is never the only factor considered by family courts.
You may want to review the factors for a child’s best interests in Georgia. These factors outline all of the various issues that family courts consider. Aside from substance abuse, the court also considered domestic abuse, the distance between family homes, the love shared between parents and children, and much more. You might have a substance abuse problem, but this might not necessarily prevent you from gaining custody when courts consider this wider spectrum of factors.
It is Never Too Early – Or Too Late – to Get Clean
Even if you are struggling with serious substance abuse issues before an impending divorce, you can get started with treatment right away. Even if you have only been in treatment for a few days, this may show that you are at least making an effort to get clean. Family courts may appreciate your efforts.
Conversely, you can get started with treatment many years after your divorce – and it may be possible to get clean within a few months. After you beat your addiction, you could potentially petition to modify the child custody agreement based on this change in circumstance. Be prepared to prove that you have successfully addressed your addiction. Your family law attorney may be able to help you in this regard.
Parents Struggling With Addiction May Still Get Custody
Even if your addiction struggles seem difficult to overcome, you could still gain custody. For the most part, the family court only focuses on how your addiction materially affects your children. If you can conceal your addiction and it has no effect on your abilities as a parent, it could have no real impact on child custody decisions. For example, you might limit your drinking to nighttime – while your children are asleep and properly supervised.
Find an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia
Lankford & Moore Law has been assisting parents for years. We know that there are many potential barriers to child custody – including addiction. With our help, you may be able to return to the family court and reclaim your rights as a parent. Book a consultation today with our experienced child custody lawyers in Georgia to discuss your legal options in more detail.
