VIC Ex Let 14-Year-Old Drink Alcohol - Legal Recourse?

[Jacqui Schafer]

My ex-husband allowed our 14-year-old daughter to have 2 drinks of alcohol on NYE and then pretty much left her unsupervised while she proceeded to help herself to more. He says she has it in her head that's what she wanted to do so saying no wasn't an option.

Can I legally do anything about it under family law? I am beyond furious.

Thanks

 

[Hayder Shkara]

Where were they when this occurred?

If on a private premises, parents can give minors alcohol as long as they're not intoxicated. Legally it will be hard to enforce anything. Have you got a parenting plan or court orders in place?

 

[Jacqui Schafer]

Thanks Hayder,

They were at a caravan park. No, parenting plan in place, just an agreement on how often they stay with him.

 

[sammy01]

How long have you been separated? How often does he see the kids?

 

[Jacqui Schafer]

Have been separated 16 months. He sees them every Tues and Thursday night and every second weekend.

 

[sammy01]

Forget legal avenues... But you should tell him in writing that you don't agree. You can also have a chat with the child.

 

[Rod]

It is better to have occurred under supervision than with peers in a dimly lit isolated park.

One drinking occurrence is part of growing up. Only a pattern is a problem.

As parents we all have to accept at some stage a child need to find their own path to responsible adult behaviour. We can and should guide them along the correct path, but occasionally it is not a bad thing for the child to take a small detour and realise for themselves the alternative is not the right path to be on.

Do not take it out on your daughter. Be supportive and explain the consequences that can happen if she has no control of her behaviour. Sounds a like an ideal parenting opportunity, especially as no harm has occurred.