can you put a "morality clause" in your divorce papers?

Question

I am getting divorced and have a 19 month old daughter, my husband is an alchoholic and drug addict and has many destructive behaviors including skanky, bimbo's as girlfriends they are part and parcel of his addictions.He is also a pathological liar. I will have sole custody and do not want her exposed to this kind of behavior. The court will probably direct me to give him reasonable visatation . I want to make sure my daughter is not exposed to these things. So far he has not shown up to see her on weekend visits under the influance, but during the week he is out drinking and doing all sorts of crap with these people and expects to show up and play "family" when he comes to see her. He lies about everything and I catch him constantly.He has been informed that he is no longer welcomed in my home or allowed to see the baby untill he gets his act together because I do not want her to think theses things are acceptable behavior. Can I put something in my divorce papers that states this?

Thanks for the answers so far, I know that I will have sole custody because he has already agreed to it. I had to take him to court to get a temporary child support order. I have been documenting stuff for years as a result of his addictions and in reality could have him thrown in jail for some of the things he has done. I am not a vindictive ***** as he seems to think since I stopped allowing him to see the baby, but this has nothing to do with him and I , its about protecting her and trying to ensure that she has as "normal" of a life as possible considering the circumstances. I have been more than fair and extended myself in the hope that we could make the best out of an awful situation for her sake I know about the option of supervised visits, and will do it if all else fails, And in spite of it all I know he loves her and she loves him. I want them to have a relationship. But if he is doing the crap he is doing he can't be in her life . I guess thats where the clause comes in

Answer 1

Document ALL of these behaviors. Write down the ones you can recollect, and note them as such. Document everything that happens from now on - date, time, place, event, people, names, everything.

Hopefully your attorney can make use of it, and request that your husband have only supervised visitation - in a public place with you present, in your home, in his parent's home if you trust them, etc.

Answer 2

Your lawyer can certainly add something to the effect in the PSA, but remember that he has to sign it and agree to it. If you're not divorced yet, then how do you know you will have sole custody?

Technically, once you're divorced, you cannot impose "morality" on the other party. There may be some exceptions / special consideration when the ex's behavior endangers the welfare of the child, but because we don't know the details of your situation it's really impossible to give advice. Your lawyer needs to advise you as to what will and will not fly in court, assuming your stbx doesn't agree to your terms.

Answer 3

You definitely need to talk to an attorney about this. There are "morality clauses" they can put in, like saying that no one of the opposite sex can spend the night in his home while your daughter is there. There are several legal things that can be done, but an attorney would need to advise you.

Answer 4

You have your view stated well enough.The court will hear his views on such things and then decide what is best for both of you and the child.

Answer 5

That is a question for your attorney.

Answer 6

Absolutely! And you should!!! Please get some assistance to make sure you & your baby are safe! God Bless!!!