Alcoholic Husband and Custody

[greentea]

My husband and I have a 15 month old daughter. Over the past year and a half, he has begun to drink very heavily, often hides how much he drinks and frequently has explosive outbursts (although not physical) and is often very rude. I have contemplated divorce, but often during his raging episodes, he threatens that if I don't like the way he treats me, I can leave, but he will get custody of the baby. I am responsible for most of the baby's care (except when I am at work, she has a babysitter). He watches her for a few minutes a day so I can get ready for work. I prepare her food, clothing, etc., feed her, put her to sleep, take care of all medical appointments, etc. If we go anywhere together, I drive because he has been drinking. I always take the baby with me on errands as well because I do not want to leave her with him when he has been drinking. He drinks an average of 12 beers a night, more on weekends, beginning earlier in the day. What are the chances that I would get full custody of the baby if we were to divorce? I do not feel that he can be trusted to care for her because he is unable to appropriately care for the baby or even drive her anywhere because of his drinking. His temper is also very unstable. If there is a chance that he would get custody, I would just rather stay in the relationship so at least I would know that our child was safe because I was caring for her. If I am to consider divorce, is there any information/proof I should start gathering pertaining to his drinking/yelling/rage? How difficult is this to prove if he has never gotten "physical"? If we were to separate, I would have to stay with my parents until I could save some money to get an apartment. Would this hurt my case?

[Attorney Cheri Hobbs]

Florida courts use the term "time sharing" now instead of "custody." The phrase "full custody" is used when someone wants sole parental responsibility. It is actually quite difficult to obtain sole parental responsibility when the other parent does not have a felony and is not sexually/physically abuse toward the child(ren).
You can take photos of the alcoholic beverages he consumes or of him drinking. You can keep track of potential witnesses to his alcoholic nature. If you reside with your parents upon separation that should not "hurt" your case. You do want to establish that you have a stable work history and family/friends close by to assist you. You do NOT want to deny him his right to see the child.