Legal Question in Family Law in Colorado

Inconsistent administration of psychotropic meds by adoptive mom causing behavio

My husband's ex-wife (they have shared custody) has a long history of not giving their adopted son (15) his Depakote/Ripserdal and Ritalin/Strattera on a regular basis, and of stealing his Depakote, when she did not have medical coverage. This has caused years of educational underachievement, behavioral issues and police intervention. Since the beginning of this current school year, we have had the child's school distribute his meds in the AM. The child is not responsible enough to take his evening meds but after consulting the child's psychiatrist, we have given the meds to him to take home after school, anyway. In retaliation, she has filed allegations that his dad is refusing to administer proper medications to the boy and is requesting that a guardian ad litem be appointed. She does not want full custody as she is not capable of handling the child full-time. Instead she is seeking to make a case of not being able to work, due to the child's psychiatric history, and is seeking more monetary support. We would like to know if a guardian ad litem could be appointed in this case, if so, on what basis and if there is anything we can do to stop the neglegence, abuse of medication disbursal and have the school administer disbursal.


Asked on 10/07/04, 2:03 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
The Harris Law Firm, P.C The Harris Law Firm, P.C.

Re: Inconsistent administration of psychotropic meds by adoptive mom causing beh

It is definitely possible a special advocate will be appointed because the parents can't agree on decision-making for their child. A special advocate might also help determine whether the child is disabled to the point the primary care parent ought not be expected to earn income. Strategies for addressing the issues in your message include modifying parenting time so that the father becomes the primary care parent or appointing a parenting coordinator to address issues as they arise, so as to avoid the need to take issues to court.

To examine the issues you are facing in more detail, we offer a 45-minute consultation for $150. If this would be useful to you, please contact Katie at (303) 299-9484 or Katie @HarrisFamilyLaw.com. Let us know if we can help.

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Answered on 10/07/04, 11:03 am


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