If you are concerned that your child's other parent has an alcohol problem, you are right to be worried. Our expert child law solicitors can provide urgent advice on how to protect your child, prove your concerns to the court, and secure a safe custody arrangement.
The court's only priority is the child's welfare and safety. While a parent's alcoholism does not automatically mean they will lose custody, the court will take immediate and serious steps to ensure the child is protected from any risk of harm.
It is not enough to simply state the other parent has a problem. We help you gather crucial evidence, such as medical reports, police call-out records, witness statements, and we can apply to the court for official drug and alcohol testing.
Build Your CaseIf the evidence shows that the other parent's drinking poses a risk to your child, we can robustly argue for a 'live with' order in your favour, giving you sole day-to-day care and responsibility for your child.
Discuss Sole CustodyIn many cases, the court may order that any contact between the child and the alcoholic parent must be supervised. This ensures the child can maintain a relationship while being kept completely safe from harm.
Ensure Safe Contact
We understand the immense courage it takes to raise these concerns. Our approach is entirely focused on the safety and well-being of your child. We handle these sensitive cases with discretion, helping you to build a robust, evidence-based case to present to the Family Court.
No. The court will not automatically remove a child from a parent's care unless there is a proven risk of harm. The court will first look at whether the parent acknowledges their problem and is willing to seek help. An order for supervised contact is often a first step.
The court relies on evidence, not just accusations. We can help you gather evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and medical information. Crucially, we can apply to the court for an order for the other parent to undergo official hair strand and blood tests to prove their alcohol consumption.
While a court cannot force someone to provide a sample, a refusal to cooperate with a court-ordered test allows the judge to draw a negative inference. This means the judge can assume the test would have been positive and may make a decision based on that assumption to protect the child.
If you have genuine concerns about your child's safety with their other parent, do not delay. Contact our expert family solicitors for an urgent, confidential consultation.
Request a Callback Now0330 333 8797
info@wildings-solicitors.co.uk
862-864 Washwood Heath Rd, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2NG
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Wildings Solicitors are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (no. 552128). Wildings Solicitors is a trading name of Wildings Solicitors LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales. Registration Number OC360274 registered office 862-864 Washwood Heath Road, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2NG. A list of Directors is available from the registered offices. We do not accept service by email.
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