Divorce is certainly an emotional endeavor, and there can be a lot at stake. For many Texans, the most important issue facing them during marriage dissolution is child custody and visitation. The outcome of these issues can reshape your relationship with your child, not to mention affect your child’s safety and well-being. With so much on the line, you need to be aware of the risk factors that can significantly impact your child and take action accordingly.
The impact of parental substance abuse
One of the more common and most impactful issues that arises during child custody disputes is parental substance abuse. Although drug use can affect the individual who is addicted, it can also negatively affect your child in a number of ways if he or she is exposed to it. Here are just a few of the ways that exposure to parental substance abuse can negatively impact your child:
- Onset of anxiety and depression
- Increased responsibility when necessary to fulfill a parental role
- Increased risk abuse and neglect
- Poor school performance
- Social and emotional distancing
- Increased risk of future drug use
- Exhibition of aggressive behavior
These are just some of the ways that exposure to parental substance abuse can hurt your child. As if that’s not enough, this harm can be severe and long-lasting.
Building a case for an appropriate custody or visitation arrangement
If you think that parental substance abuse is affecting your child, then you might want to take legal action. This might take the form of a child custody or visitation modification if there’s already an existing custody order. Proving that modification is necessary can be challenging, though, which is why you need to know how to gather evidence and present compelling legal arguments that support your position. Only then can you rest assured that you’ve done everything you can to protect your child and your relationship with him or her. Fortunately, experienced family law professionals stand ready to assist you with your case.