St. Patrick’s Day may be one of New York’s most celebrated drinking holidays, but if you are facing a child custody dispute, you must be particularly vigilant. Judges make custody rulings based on the child’s best interests, and if you get arrested for a DWI or a physical altercation, your ex-spouse’s divorce attorney may use this against you in court.
Divorce is a legally complex process – especially when children are involved. If you have questions about child custody or other family law matters in New York, contact the Elliot Green Law Offices.
Elliot Green is a Queens divorce attorney who can protect your personal and financial interests. Call 718-260-8668 to schedule a consultation, and visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about divorce laws in New York.
If you are in the middle of a child custody dispute, keep these three tips in mind on St. Patrick’s Day:
- Prioritize Time with Your Children
Although it may be tempting to drink with your friends on St. Patrick’s Day, you should consider celebrating the holiday with your children. Spending time with your kids shows that their interests have priority in your schedule, which demonstrates stability. This can also strengthen the co-parenting relationship with your ex if he or she wants to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without the children.
If you intend to go out with friends, be sure to plan ahead. Communicate your desires to the other parent, and offer to take care of the children during the next holiday.
- Do Not Drink and Drive
If you plan to drink on St. Patrick’s Day, do not drive. This is especially important if you already have a history of DWIs.
The courts will consider each parent’s alcohol and drug use when evaluating the child’s best interests. Instead of driving while intoxicated, use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, or contact one of these local taxi companies:
- Queens Village Car Service: 718-776-8787
- Big Q Car Service: 718-846-4500
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission also has comprehensive information on services that operate across the city.
- Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Limiting your consumption is especially important if you have a history of alcohol-related confrontations. If police arrest you for public intoxication or assault, then your ex-spouses child custody lawyer may use this against you in court. Similar to DWI charges, public intoxication and alcohol-related assault charges indicate alcohol abuse, which can affect the outcome of your custody case.
Other Factors the Courts Consider When Awarding Custody
Every child custody case is unique, but the courts always award custody based on the child’s best interests. Several factors may affect the final ruling, such as:
- The ages of the parents;
- Availability of parents;
- Each parent’s mental and physical health;
- Any history of domestic violence;
- And each parent’s financial stability.
If you are considering divorce in New York, or if you are facing a child custody dispute, contact the Elliot Green Law Offices. Call 718-260-8668 to schedule a consultation with a Queens child custody lawyer.
