Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
He has had two DUIs since the separation and the most recent was with the kids in the car. Lawyer says I should request supervised. How do I frame it?
✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
Don't soften it. A DUI with kids in the car is exactly the situation supervised visitation is designed for. File an RFO (FL-300) with declarations attaching the arrest records and any CPS report. Ask for professional supervised visitation (not 'family supervised' — a relative isn't enough when there's recent dangerous conduct) at a court-approved center, parent's expense, plus completion of an alcohol program before stepping down. Frame it as 'until [father] completes X and Y, the safer path is professional supervision,' not as a punishment. Judges respond to specific, child-safety-focused asks far better than to character attacks.
If there's an immediate safety concern, courts can issue emergency temporary orders (ex parte) the same day in California. Talk to your attorney about whether ex parte relief is warranted.
Around the case
Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
Court Self-Help Center
Free signature + form witness · Free
Most US counties have a free Court Self-Help Center (or Family Law Facilitator's Office). They review papers, witness signatures, and explain procedure. No appointment usually required.
Find your nearest SHC →Sesame Workshop — Divorce toolkit
Talking-to-kids resources · Free
Free professional toolkit for explaining family changes to young kids — videos, conversation starters, printable activity sheets.
Browse the toolkit →Swift Serve
Process server · $90–$120 typical
Same-day service on family-court papers. Flat fee, transparent pricing, certified Proof of Service delivered back.
Get a quote →Share what helped you. Be kind — and remember this is your experience, not legal advice.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
