This article is being written to conclude and recap my series on how drug use affects child custody in the state of Florida. I felt it was necessary to write on this topic due to the fact that Courts will consider a parent’s substance abuse issues during a child custody hearing. It is important to understand that judges deciding custody disputes will always look to the best interests of the child when awarding custody and visitation rights. The goal of my recent articles has been to provide information which will assist people in better understanding their situation. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you are in need of assistance, then contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne lawyer. We also assist individuals in other Brevard County areas and throughout the state.
I addressed multiple topics over my recent articles. The issues which I looked at included:
- The Court’s sole concern will always be for the best interests of the child in cases dealing with drug use
- How the Court will deal with medical marijuana and prescription drug use
- How the Court will deal with the illegal use of prescription drugs and medical marijuana
- How the Court will view use of heroin, methamphetamine, and other hard drugs
- How the Court will respond in a child custody case involving criminal activity & drugs
There are multiple reasons why I chose to address these issues. First, parents should understand how their drug use may affect their ability to retain custody of their child. The Court may not award custody to a parent if it finds that it is not in the best interests of the child. Second, parents possessing prescriptions for drugs or medical marijuana should be aware of the court’s treatment of these substances. These parents should not be denied custody of or visitation or parenting time with their child as long as they are not abusing their prescription. Third, it is important for parents to know that the Court will take action when it finds that substance abuse hinders the parent’s ability to care for their child. The Court will also take action when the parent poses a danger to the child’s well-being. Fourth, parents who misuse certain hard drugs or have a criminal history related to drugs may be found to pose a danger to their child. Such parents will likely receive supervised visitations until they can show that they have been clean for some time.
If you are dealing with a child custody dispute then it is strongly suggested that you speak with an attorney. Our Melbourne child custody lawyer understands that you may be facing a serious situation and we will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We are looking forward to being of assistance. We also serve the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.