Drug Use and Child Custody

Divorces can be bitter occasions where accusations are hurled at each spouse in hopes of securing the largest or smallest, depending on which side one sits, alimony or spousal support payment possible. While divorce battles can be legendary, child custody battles can be even worse. Not only are the former spouses fighting bitterly but they are fighting over the life of a child or children. In an effort to ensure that a child stays away from the ex, parents will hurl nasty accusations at each other. One of these accusations is one of drug abuse.

Drug abuse is a serious problem that needs not to be taken lightly. It is a huge problem for the parent as well as the family when it exists. Depending on the drug, it can take over a person’s life and completely destroy much of what an individual has worked for. In addition, it can also mean that a parent doesn’t care about his or her children or family at all and all thoughts are consumed by getting the next hit or the next supply.

When drug abuse accusations are hurled at the opposing parent, the courts will typically take these seriously. Drug testing can be mandated and can be used to ensure that if a parent has visitation or custody that the child is not put in a dangerous situation.

If a parent is found to abuse drugs, custody can be withheld from that parent. The drug culture is not the safest environment for a child and can lead to exposure to a variety of negative influences.

Contact a San Jose Divorce Lawyer

For information on drug abuse and its relationship to child custody battles, contact the San Jose divorce lawyers of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen at 408-296-4100.