Even with a custody agreement in place, concerns can creep in over time. Maybe your ex has started drinking again. Maybe it’s more frequent now. Or maybe something just feels off when your child comes home.
If alcohol wasn’t part of your original custody agreement, you might feel stuck. The good news is that you’re not. There are ways to bring up concerns and ask for changes that help keep your child safe.
When It Makes Sense to Revisit Custody
Courts understand that life changes. When something serious comes up, like alcohol misuse, you can ask to modify custody. Judges usually look for a clear change in circumstances, and ongoing concerns about drinking often qualify.
If your gut is telling you something’s wrong, it’s worth paying attention. You don’t need a major event to ask for help. Sometimes, it’s a pattern that tells the real story: missed pickups, erratic texts, mood swings, or a shift in how your child acts after visits.
What Judges Want to See
You don’t need to prove everything beyond a doubt, but it helps to have something concrete. That could be:
- A DUI or arrest
- Notes from a teacher or counselor
- Texts that raise red flags
- Repeated behavior that makes you uncomfortable
Even if it’s not dramatic, it matters. Patterns count. If you’re feeling uneasy, keep a detailed log of what you see.
Why Parents Use Soberlink
This is where a tool like Soberlink can help. It’s a high-tech breathalyzer that sends instant results to whoever needs to see them. Your ex breathes into the device at scheduled times, their identity is confirmed using facial recognition, tamper sensors flag any attempts to cheat, and you get confirmation they tested and that no alcohol was detected. In other words, instant peace of mind.
It’s discreet. It’s quick. It doesn’t require manual review like a store-bought breathalyzer would or a courtroom visit every time something feels off. Some parents ask for it as part of a revised custody order. Others use it as a stepping stone before asking the court to step in. And some people in recovery choose to use it themselves to rebuild trust.
This Is About Controlling the Situation, NOT Your Ex
Asking for monitoring doesn’t mean you’re trying to control your ex. It means you’re trying to protect your child and keep things transparent. That’s completely reasonable.
Soberlink helps take the guesswork out of parenting after divorce. It’s less invasive than supervised visitation and much more manageable for day-to-day life. Plus, it gives you court-admissible documentation if you do decide to go to court.
Thinking About a Custody Change?
Here’s what you can do:
- Start writing things down. Keep track of missed visits, strange behavior, and anything that makes you uneasy.
- Talk to a lawyer. Ask if what you’re seeing could qualify as a custody issue.
- Learn how Soberlink works. Having a monitoring option that’s trusted by courts nationwide can be a big help.
- Keep the focus on your child. Courts respond best when it’s clear that safety and stability are the priority.
You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis
It’s easy to second-guess yourself or assume there’s more time to act. But if something feels different, trust your instincts. If a dynamic has changed, encourage the court to take another look. Your child’s safety is worth speaking up for.
Sign up at www.soberlink.com/sincerely for an exclusive offer.