Unmarried and not together- dad has MAJOR drinking problem

[Mlb091582]

Hi. I would like to know the chances of gaining full "parental responsibility" based on the facts that my children's father has a major drinking problem and dabbles in recreational drugs as well. How hard is it to prove such a case? What kind of evidence would be required?

[Attorney Howard Iken]

I assume you mean sole parental ?

You would need direct evidence that drinking is done in excess and the excess is causing problems that might endanger a child.

[Mlb091582]

Yes. Sole parental. Would a private investigator be beneficial? I'm considering hiring one. He drinks in excess on a daily basis and on days that he decides he does not want to report to work he begins drinking in the morning. Booze replaces meals.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Yes. That would be the sort of thing a PI would be useful for.

[Mlb091582]

Thank you. I'm located in Manatee Coubty. What is your retainer for custody? Again we are unmarried and I am seeking sole parental responsibilty due to his substance abuse.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Sorry but at the moment we are not taking new cases in Manatee.