Be honest about any drug or alcohol use

Drug and alcohol abuse is not uncommon in family law. What is also common is the frequency of parents that try to hide or deny the use of drugs or alcohol.

Many parents with a history of drug and alcohol consumption understandably believe that their use of such substances will impede upon their chances of gaining parental responsibility.

This can be the case, however, it is important to recognise that the family law courts are not as concerned about your drug or alcohol use as much as they are concerned about how your said use impacts upon your children and your ability to parent.

Taking steps to minimise substance abuse, such as counselling or rehabilitation, and making an effort to stay away from drugs and alcohol during visits with the child shows the Court that you can maintain self-control. This will improve your chances of having contact with your children.

Remember the Court is more concerned with your future ability to care for your children appropriately, rather than your past.