impaired driving violations. Keep in mind that courts want to see a pattern of behavior; therefore, documentation and accurate record keeping is important.
Document situations that happen.
Keep your focus. Your goal is to protect your child, not to prevent your child from having a relationship with the other parent. Whether or not it’s fair, judges may assume that efforts to modify custody or visitation are motivated by anger or revenge. Be factual. Your word will probably not be enough. Factual evidence includes driving records, criminal history, and the observations of unbiased witnesses. Some courts will accept the testimony of family members and friends, older children willing to talk about their concerns, or private investigators may be interviewed. Calmly suggest alternative transportation. Recommend the driver postpone travel or offer to drive the child, if appropriate. Avoid a heated altercation that may put the child in further danger. Call 911 if the driver shows up impaired and wants to drive the child. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible (such as name of the impaired driver, vehicle description and/or license plate, and destination). Give the responding officer your name and contact information. Provide a summary. Document all contacts with the police with a follow-up written summary. Request a copy of your complaint from the law enforcement agency.
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