There are several factors that may reduce or eliminate your visitation rights if you are a noncustodial parent. These can include a history of domestic violence, a lack of contact with the child despite previously having rights to see them, or a history of substance abuse. However, if you have a history of substance abuse or a current substance abuse problem, you may still be able to have regular visitations with your children. The following tips can help you maintain your visitation rights. 

Follow Rules for Supervised Visitation 

In most cases, parents with a substance abuse problem will only be granted supervised visitation. However, it is important that you follow the rules set for your visitations, including showing up on time, being sober, and interacting with your children in healthy ways. This way, you will maintain your relationship with your children while you are getting sober. Also, once you prove you have sustainable sobriety, you may be allowed to change your visitation rights to include unsupervised visits as well. 

Get Into a Substance Abuse Program 

Even if you feel like your substance abuse problem is minor and does not affect your parenting skills, you should enroll in a substance abuse program. This way, you will get an in-depth assessment of how your substance abuse affects your daily living skills and whether it poses any risk to your children. Additionally, you will show that you are following the courts rules regarding receiving visitation privileges. Finally, it can help you maintain sobriety, which is usually the key to getting full visitation rights restored. 

Get Character Witnesses to Vouch for You 

You may also want to create a list of people who will vouch for your parenting skills and the way you take care of your children. You may want to choose people who are aware of your substance use and who can give honest examples that show you are able to provide care for your children despite your substance abuse or that you are currently working to overcome your substance abuse. These statements may help you achieve visitation rights faster than if you do not have anyone willing to vouch for your character and parenting abilities. 

Getting full visitation rights when you have a previous or current substance abuse problem can be difficult. However, with the help of a family rights attorney, like Rutter and Sleeth Law Offices, and effort to maintain sobriety on your part, you may be eligible for supervised visitations.