Even if you have received an official child custody ruling from a court, there are still ways for you to lose custody of your children. In most cases, courts are reluctant to completely strip parents of their custodial rights, but there are certain actions and behaviors that can lead to a full revocation of a parent’s custody. Parents in North Carolina should be sure to avoid the following behaviors in order to maintain their parental rights.
Substance abuse
If the courts have reason to believe that you have a problem with substance abuse, you may be in danger of losing your parental rights. Parents who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot provide the level of care that their children require, so the court will not tolerate substance abuse. If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, you should immediately seek professional help to ensure that you maintain custody of your children.
Neglect
Legally speaking, caring for a child involves more than simply providing food and shelter. You are also responsible for ensuring that they have responsible adult supervision in your absence, and you must ensure that your child is clean, pursuing an education and receiving proper care in general. Child neglect is a very serious violation of your child custody agreement and can result in severe punishments beyond your losing custody.
Parental alienation
After a divorce, it is not uncommon for either party to speak ill of their ex. However, telling your child that their other parent is a horrible person or that their other parent does not love them is a form of parental alienation. This form of emotional abuse toward your child may result in a loss of custody.
Any issues stemming from child custody should involve the help of a family law attorney who knows the laws of your state. This attorney may review the details of the initial custody agreement and look into possible violations. to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.