Protecting children when a parent is impaired

Hi, my name is Clint Hastings. I’m a Tulsa dad’s attorney here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on fathers’ rights. This is part 1 of a question series that says “My wife is impaired by drugs or alcohol, what can I do?” The answer really depends on where you are in the process. Are you still deciding whether to file for divorce? If so, you have a few options. You might give her an ultimatum — seek treatment or you’ll file — or you might decide that things have gotten bad enough to go ahead and file now.

If you’re seriously concerned that your spouse may be under the influence while caring for the kids, it may be time to talk to a lawyer about filing for emergency custody. That can include requesting restrictions on her parenting time and asking the court to order immediate drug or alcohol testing.

Requesting Testing and Handling the Situation

If you’ve already filed and the case is pending, there are several ways to request testing through the discovery process or by filing a formal motion. In part two, I’ll go into more detail about what types of testing can be ordered, how those results might be used, and how the courts typically handle these situations.

If you’re dealing with something similar, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Again, I am Tulsa divorce attorney Clint Hastings. Give us a call at 918-962-0900.

Get a Low-Cost Consultation Today

If you need guidance on how to handle a situation where your spouse is impaired, reach out to us for a low-cost consultation. We’re here to help you protect your rights and your children’s well-being. Call us at 918-962-0900 to schedule an appointment today.