Drugs and Child Custody Don't Mix

Stay Sober: Protect Your Custody Rights in Georgia

Courts take a dim view of drug use these days. Though legal, alcohol should not be consumed if you are in a custody battle. And while there are several states that have already legalized marijuana, it's still illegal in Georgia and will only hurt your chances of getting child custody. And the more serious drugs, such as cocaine and meth, are even more of an issue to Judges in Georgia. If you use cocaine, meth or heroin, you will likely have to have to supervised visitation, if any.

Children deserve to be raised by competent, alert and attentive parents. Using mood altering substances reflects poorly on your decision making and commitment to raising healthy and balanced children. Do yourself and your children a favor and steer clear of anything that isn't 100% clean and natural during a custody case. Even CBD oil and some prescription drugs (such as pain medications and diet pills), should be avoided during a custody case unless absolutely necessary. If you can function without them, and your doctor approves, stop taking them while you are in a custody case.

Focus your energies on your children and getting yourself healthy. That means detoxing if you need to and making your children and their needs the focus of your attention. The more time you spend with your children doing what matters most to them, the better. And don't overlook taking care of your children's basic needs, such as getting them to school on time, making sure homework is turned in and tutoring if needed. It is also important to make sure you are taking your children to regular doctor and dental check-ups and appointments, counseling and any therapies they may need. It's important for the court to see that you can manage yourself and your children if you are seeking custody.

Children are a full-time job and you need to convince the Court that you can give your children what you need in order to get primary physical custody of your children.