Hi there,
I'm just starting this process myself. I'm going for sole custody and supervised visitation. Fingers crossed that I get it.

I'm wondering if a breathalyzer test can be factored in in case the visits aren't supervised.

Here a couple of the items I have sent my Family Law Attorney concerning the alcoholic parent to be included in our custody agreement (not sure if they will stick):

o The mother shall contact the father by 9:00 am via phone (not text) on the days that she has the children. If this does not occur, the children will be picked-up by the father.

o To ensure a safe and healthy environment for the children, the mother will be subject to scheduled and random sobriety tests. In the event that the mother fails or declines a sobriety test, all custody rights will revert to the father for a period of 90 days. During this time, the mother's visitations will be supervised.

Also, what kind of visitation schedule have you sought, or are currently seeking?

I love that you're putting good boundaries in there.

I started at shared custody, but ended up landing on sole custody with supervised visitation. The shared custody was out of guilt - I put myself in his shoes and how I would feel not seeing my daughter. But then, I took a step back and put myself in my daughter's shoes. Knowing how we have to walk on eggshells when Dad is consuming, I realized that it wasn't fair to put her in that situation.

Instead, I want to encourage sobriety - she deserves that. If Dad can't be sober, then Dad doesn't need to see her. If Dad can be sober, then the two of them can work on restoring their relationship. I also need to ensure that she is safe when she is with him. If he's drinking, I am not convinced of her safety.

I wish you luck! I hope that you're able to land on something you feel comfortable with. Request whatever you feel is in the best interest of the children and fight for it!