Opinion ID: 1265343
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Visitation Restrictions

Text: The final issue which we address is the trial court's failure to consider evidence of alleged alcohol abuse on the part of Mr. White in connection with placing restrictions on his visitation rights. The trial court refused to admit any evidence on the issue of whether Mr. White has a drinking problem. At a hearing held on August 10, 1992, Mrs. White attempted to introduce evidence of a disorderly conduct charge that predated the parties' marriage and also evidence of an automobile accident which occurred approximately one year earlier. Notwithstanding the clearly stated basis for offering such evidence, the court refused to consider the same. As to the disorderly conduct charge that occurred more than ten years ago, we do not believe the trial judge abused his discretion, as such evidence was too remote. However, the same cannot be stated with regard to the more recent automobile accident, provided there is evidence that alcohol was a contributing factor to the accident. Mrs. Williamson should have been permitted to introduce such evidence if alcohol was indeed determined to be a factor which caused or contributed to the accident. She should similarly have been allowed to develop her allegations regarding the need for imposing restrictions regarding alcohol consumption during Mr. White's exercise of visitation with his children. Despite the trial court's statement during the hearing, Well, I direct Mr. White not to drink when he has the children, there is nothing in the various court orders reflecting the same admonishment. This was clearly an abuse of discretion on the part of the judge not to first develop this area to determine whether, in fact, Mr. White has a problem with alcohol which could impact the children. On remand, the circuit court should give the parties a fair opportunity to be heard on this issue, and if the evidence reflects that visitation should have any conditions or restrictions in order to protect the children, such restrictions, as necessary, should be ordered. In considering visitation issues, however, the court must also be mindful of facilitating the right of the non-custodial parent to a full and fair chance to continue to have a relationship with his children. Based on the foregoing, the decision of the Circuit Court of Mercer County is hereby reversed and remanded on the issues of equitable distribution, rehabilitative alimony, counseling for the parties' children, and the court's failure to consider evidence on the issue of visitation restrictions consistent with this opinion. Reversed and remanded. BROTHERTON, C.J., did not participate. MILLER, J., Retired, sitting by temporary assignment. NEELY, J., dissents, and reserves the right to file a dissenting opinion.