This post concludes and recaps my series on the handling of Peoria, Illinois child custody cases which involve drug use. I felt it necessary to write on this topic as, for obvious reasons, many fathers are unsure of how to proceed when they believe that the mother is abusing controlled substances. The goal of my last several articles has been to provide information which will help people to better understand their situation and how it is they should proceed. If you are a dad and you are dealing with this issue then it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
I have addressed several issues over my recent articles. Matters which I have looked at include:
- Filing to modify child custody
- Discovery in cases involving drug use
- Attending a child custody trial
- Custody cases involving marijuana or prescription drugs
- Cases involving “hard drugs”
There are several reasons why Illinois dads should be familiar with these topics. First, it is important to go through the proper channels and to not engage in “self help” when you believe your child is in danger. This is why a Motion should be filed with the Court immediately. Second, discovery is crucial to establishing a pattern of substance abuse on the mother’s part; cases are not won with “surprise” evidence that is uncovered at trial. Third, knowing what to expect from the trial process helps to ensure that the matter will go smoothly. Finally, one must understand that no two cases are the same. The Court will view a case involving marijuana differently than it will a case involving hard drugs. You can better prepare yourself for dealing with the legal system by understanding these issues.
One point I have stressed throughout this series is that you should immediately speak with a fathers’ rights lawyer if you need to modify your custody arrangement. The longer you wait to take the matter to Court then, typically, the less likely the Judge is to view the matter as an emergency. Also, by failing to immediately protect your rights you run the risk of the mother being able to “clean up” and pass a drug test, for legal purposes, and then going right back to drug use after the proceedings have ended. I regularly assist dads in the Peoria area with handling such cases. Contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
If you believe the mother of your child is abusing controlled substances then contact my Peoria office today to speak with a fathers’ rights attorney. I also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.