Being a parent is difficult enough, but it can be challenging if you’re also going through addiction recovery in Ohio. While you work to overcome your substance use problem, you will want to know what happens with child custody matters. You do have certain rights as a parent while going through recovery.
Being a parent with an addiction
Struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs can significantly impact your life. It can also affect your child and your ability to properly care for them. However, once you are going through recovery, it’s important to be open with the court. Child custody is one of divorce and other family law topics considered by the court. If the court sees that you are truly dedicated to your child and to recovering from your addiction, the judge will take that into consideration and evaluate you for custody and parenting time.
How is custody awarded?
Under divorce and other family law, the family court always first considers what is in the best interests of the child when deciding custody. The judge will hear all the facts of the case and consider the following before making a ruling:
- The age of the child. It’s important to note that younger children require more hands-on care.
- The ability of both parents to provide for the child and their living situations.
- The best way to provide a consistent routine for the child.
- The way any potential changes might affect the child’s routine and life as a whole.
- The child’s physical and emotional safety.
Dedicating yourself to sobriety
If you are truly dedicated to your recovery and regaining your sobriety, the judge might see it and it can work in your favor. The judge may require you to provide proof as a stipulation of your child custody. You may have to enroll in a treatment program if you haven’t already done so, submit to random drug testing or have a monitoring program.
Accountability is something the court takes very seriously. It can also help to rebuild your relationship with your child as you recover from your addiction.