Family Law Articles

Transitions in life are inevitable. Some are welcome additions, such as buying a house or starting a family. Other changes like losing a relationship due to death or divorce catch you off guard. As a parent, learning to manage these periods of adjustments successfully is crucial as you’re not just responsible for your own well-being but also that of your children. 

Enough. You have reached the point of no return. And the children have seen more than their fair share. Finally, you or your spouse has broached the subject of divorce. What’s next? When children are involved, moving forward with the divorce process requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you hire a lawyer or go it alone, consult with an experienced divorce lawyer before commencing an action for divorce. However, when alcohol is a factor in a divorce that involves children, bear in mind that you are not simply consulting with a divorce attorney to protect your interests. You are interviewing a professional whose navigation of the legal system is laying the foundation for your new life and your children’s. Make it count.

It's always a sad day when parents, who once loved each other, can no longer be together. When a marriage ends, it's not only the couple that experiences loss. The children do too. When your family breaks apart, everyone is forced to adjust to a new life, and, as a result, there will be times when you have to deal with a variety of issues that come up because of the breakup. Minimizing these factors makes retaining an experienced divorce lawyer you can trust, who understands your specific situation and is sensitive to the nuances of your conflict (inside and outside the courtroom), a crucial next step.

What does it mean to be a parent? While some people may argue it’s purely biological, anyone who has held the role knows it goes far beyond nature. A parent’s responsibility is to nurture, provide, and above all else, protect, even if it means shielding their little ones from themselves. One in 10 children is exposed to substance abuse.

Americans are drinking more heavily than a decade ago. In today’s culture, people drink to celebrate life events, calm their nerves at social functions, and unwind after a long stressful day. But as demonstrated most recently during the pandemic, an increasing number of people are also using alcohol during parenting time. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 7 million children under age 17 live with a parent who suffers from alcohol addiction.

Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment. While most people would echo this philosophy, exercising this in child custody and alcohol cases can be a steep battle. Add a global pandemic, a tumultuous co-parenting relationship, and false-positive results to the equation, and what constitutes “in the best interest of the child” becomes far less defined.

Much has been said of the generation born between 1981 and 1996. Millennials dethroned Baby Boomers as America’s largest generation in recent years, and compared to Boomers and Gen Xers, they’ve thoroughly embraced a digital footprint from a young age. Many Millennials own smartphones and use them to stay connected to the world and its many inhabitants. Millennials are active on social media and utilize apps for everything from productivity to guided meditation and exercise regimens.

Technology has impacted nearly every area of our lives. As telecommunications continue to advance and change, they can improve relationships between children and their parents in explicit and ancillary ways. Families can benefit from broader communication styles and new activities through the use of technology and embracing it as a solution for challenging issues.

Child custody can be a contentious issue in even the most amicable of divorces. The problem only worsens when alcohol abuse or misuse is involved. Generally, these issues manifest in one of three ways...

Alcohol abuse affects more than just the individual — It impacts their loved ones as well. The children of parents dealing with alcohol abuse are more at risk for behavioral problems and developing difficulties themselves. Children are very perceptive and quick to pick up on their caregivers’ unhealthy behaviors, whether they are biological parents or not. For this reason, both parents and step-parents suffering from alcohol abuse should take all measures necessary to prevent relapse and rebuild trust.