In previous blog posts, we’ve discussed child custody cases and how the guiding principle in all child custody decisions is what’s deemed to be in a child’s best interest. Under this premise, the family courts must take numerous considerations into account when making child custody decisions including a parent’s fitness with regard to his or her lifestyle and use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
In 2010, the wife of a financial investment firm executive was involved in a drunk driving accident. At the time the accident occurred, the 34-year-old homemaker was transporting her two children, ages two and six. She subsequently pleaded guilty to DWI and sought professional help to address her problems with both alcohol and illegal drugs.
Fast forward to today and that same woman is now in the midst of divorcing her wealthy executive husband. Divorce documents recently filed by the mother of two gained the attention of Wall Street and shareholders of three publically-traded companies, including her husband’s employer, amid allegations detailed in divorce documents that her husband and other executives are part of a “‘drug cohort’ of financial and corporate industry pros” who party around the country.
The mother of two is seeking to regain custody of her children and made the claims against her husband and several other executives at prominent biotech and investment firms. Amid the allegations, stock prices for two of the firms appeared to take a hit. Both CEOs named in the divorce papers publically denied the allegations.
In this case, the mother is requesting child custody of her two children and calls her soon-to-be ex-husband an unfit father based upon his “drug use and other debaucherious and erratic behavior.” Claims her husband denies.
This case illustrates how factors related to a parent’s lifestyle may influence divorce and child custody decisions. Additionally, due to the prominent and public nature of the players, this case also shows the far-reaching implications that can result when allegations of questionable or illegal behaviors surface in divorce and child custody matters.
Source: CNBC.com, “Nasty Wall St divorce battle ensnares biotech CEOs,” Lawrence Delvingne, Oct. 28, 2014
