Protecting your children: Managing substance abuse concerns.

Hi, I’m Tulsa Dads.Law attorney Clint Hastings. I’m an attorney here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on fathers’ rights. First, it’s important to know that this isn’t a death sentence for the other parent’s rights. The court’s goal is to protect the children, not to punish someone. So, what often happens is the judge issues a temporary restriction, like supervised visitation. That means your wife may still get to see the kids, but only in the presence of another adult or at a designated facility.

The court might also order regular drug and alcohol testing to monitor the situation. That could include urine tests (UAs) done weekly or biweekly, hair follicle tests every few months to catch longer-term use, or even nail bed tests, which can show substance use over a 6–9 month window. These tests help the court track progress over time and determine when, if ever, the restrictions can safely be lifted.

Encouraging Responsibility

Now, ideally, your wife would take responsibility — maybe go to counseling, rehab, or a detox program — and provide proof of that effort to the court. That’s usually the best path forward, and it can really influence how the judge views the situation.

That said, judges typically won’t order someone into rehab. What they will do is keep the restrictions in place until your wife can show the court — through clean tests and consistent behavior — that those restrictions are no longer necessary.

Seeking Legal Guidance

If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone — and it can be a tough road to navigate. Feel free to reach out with specific questions. Again, I’m Tulsa divorce attorney Clint Hastings. We’re happy to make more videos to help you better understand what to expect. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for more.

Free Consultation Available

If you are dealing with issues related to impaired spouses and need guidance on how to protect your rights and your children, contact us for a low-cost consultation. Call us at 918-962-0900 to schedule an appointment.