I’m getting ready to divorce, and we’ve been separated for a long time. My main concern is custody and visitation since my husband is an alcoholic. What can I do to prepare to ensure he only gets supervised visitation? So far, things are amicable, and I’m happy to have the visitation at my house, but I don’t trust him to be with the kids unsupervised. Both kids are elementary-aged.
Gather evidence. Whatever you claim needs proof. Document everything—screenshots of conversations, pictures, medical records, and any witnesses. Organize this evidence in a binder for your attorney.
Is he still living with you? If not, does he ever take the kids on visits?
Does he have any DUIs? The court will be concerned if it looks like he might drink and drive with the kids.
No, I always make sure he doesn’t take the kids if he’s been drinking. He works from home, so he doesn’t go out much.
You need evidence to validate your claims. Without it, you won’t be able to restrict his parenting time or get supervised visitation.
Thank you, what would count as evidence?
Past DUIs, video of him being drunk around the kids, or photos of him passed out drunk. Courts need physical evidence to validate allegations.
I’ve been documenting everything, but I don’t have photos or videos. He went through rehab a while back; not sure if that’s relevant.
Consider requesting a sobriety device like Soberlink during his parenting time, which requires clean tests before and during visitation.
The court won’t consider your concerns valid without recent proof. Old rehab records won’t be enough.