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Family law: Medical marijuana threatens custody

On Behalf of | Feb 18, 2016 | Family Law |

Those in North Carolina who choose to fight for their country often return home in a completely different condition. Many are unable to fully recover from the physical and mental impact of their time in the military. However, some are finding that medical marijuana helps these veterans cope with the ramifications of fighting for their country. Unfortunately, using such a treatment plan has jeopardized one out-of-state veteran’s family, potentially resulting in the need for assistance from a family law professional.

The 40-year-old father served in the Navy for two years. He ultimately qualified for a 50 percent disability rating. He claims that, for years, he suffered from chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder. He reportedly turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his issues, eventually becoming addicted. After a stint in rehab in 2011, he says that he is now sober.

While living in Colorado and working for the VA, he claims he obtained a prescription for medical marijuana. After moving to Kansas for a few years, the family, including several children, began planning to return to Colorado. While five minor children stayed with a relative, he and his wife visited Colorado to make moving arrangements. However, they received a phone call from the family member informing them that the children had been taken by the state, and that the parents needed to appear at an emergency hearing the next day.

State workers apparently suspected that the children were in danger. Although there were initial accusations of emotional abuse, later reports determined that those claims were dismissed. Since the children were removed from their custody approximately nine months ago, the couple claims they have only seen the children three times. They claim that the children were placed with child welfare services due the use of medical marijuana. The veteran must reportedly have four months of clean drug tests before the children will be returned, leaving him worried about how he will cope with his medical condition in the meantime.

Many in North Carolina have conditions that do not impact their parenting when treated. Those who feel that their rights to their children have been violated may benefit from the guidance of family law attorney. No parent wants to be in a position where he or she must fight for child custody, but an experienced professional can help ease the stress of such a situation.

Source: fox4kc.com, “Kan. authorities take away veteran’s children for his use of medical marijuana“, Stephen Ganey, Feb. 1, 2016

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