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Child Custody

Family law guidance for protecting custody decisions and building defensible records.

6 Essential Child Custody Stipulation Examples [Free Template]
6 Essential Child Custody Stipulation Examples [Free Template]
Child custody stipulations are a wonderful example of the infamous saying: “Always get it in writing.” Why are stipulations so important to include in co-parenting plans? Well, joint custody states...read more
“Can a Closed CPS Case be Used Against You?” An Attorney Answers
“Can a Closed CPS Case be Used Against You?” An Attorney Answers
Yes. A closed CPS case can be used against you in family court, at least in many cases. These reports are part of the dreaded permanent record.1  Furthermore, in most...read more
How Long Does it Take for a Parent to Get Custody Back? An Attorney Explains
How Long Does it Take for a Parent to Get Custody Back? An Attorney Explains
Besides being an attorney, I am also a parent. As a parent, I can say that the love we have for our children knows no bounds. This is why the...read more
What is a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation?
What is a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation?
A court-ordered substance abuse evaluation is almost inevitable in many criminal or CPS cases, especially offenses directly related to drugs or alcohol, like drug possession and DUI.  This evaluation can...read more
Free Custody Evidence Checklist & Tracker: Build Your Strongest Case
Free Custody Evidence Checklist & Tracker: Build Your Strongest Case
Get your free Evidence Tracker & Checklist for child custody: Google Sheets → The cost of divorce and child custody cases is often overwhelming. Many lawyers charge by the hour,...read more
How to Prove Substance Abuse in Court for Custody, According to Experts
How to Prove Substance Abuse in Court for Custody, According to Experts
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a major factor in child custody cases – and trying to prove substance abuse in court isn’t always a straightforward process. SUD is often completely...read more
CPS Drug Testing and Parental Alcohol Use: What to Know
CPS Drug Testing and Parental Alcohol Use: What to Know
The link between substance abuse and child abuse is well-established. The link continues as children grow. Meaning: Kids who grow up in an environment rife with substance abuse often develop...read more
How to Prove an Unsafe Environment for a Child
How to Prove an Unsafe Environment for a Child
When a child is living in unsuitable or unsafe living conditions, their well-being absolutely must come first. If you are a parent with a court-ordered custody arrangement and believe your...read more
What are Unsuitable Living Conditions for a Child?
What are Unsuitable Living Conditions for a Child?
There are common misconceptions around what, exactly, constitutes unsuitable living conditions for a child, from a legal standpoint. Most parents understand that physically abusing their child is wrong and will...read more
Can a Recovering Alcoholic Get Child Custody?
Can a Recovering Alcoholic Get Child Custody?
Being a parent is hard. It demands your time and attention. It can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. It requires sacrifice. Yet for so many parents, raising children is...read more
The Effects of a Parent’s Alcoholism on Children
The Effects of a Parent’s Alcoholism on Children
How does an “alcoholic” parent affect a child? Growing up with alcoholic parents can have profound emotional effects on children, often shaping their sense of self, relationships, and approach to...read more
Alcohol Testing in Child Custody: Each State’s Laws, Explained [2025]
Alcohol Testing in Child Custody: Each State’s Laws, Explained [2025]
Jump ahead to your state: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri...read more