Sobriety monitoring is one of the most contested issues in family law, especially in custody disputes where substance use raises safety concerns for children. Traditional testing methods, whether through court-ordered lab visits, at-home breathalyzers, or limited drug panels, often come with challenges. Missed tests, tampered samples, or delays in confirmatory results can undermine trust and fuel conflict between co-parents.
On this episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista sits down with Tim Reid, Director of Business Development at U-VERIFY™ Testing. Originally from Australia, Tim now lives in Austin, Texas, and works closely with U-VERIFY™’s San Diego-based laboratory while often connecting with clients and partners in Indiana. With a background in clinical pharmacology, Tim brings both technical expertise and practical understanding of how testing impacts families about a new approach designed to close these gaps. U-VERIFY™ combines the gold standard of urine testing with DNA verification technology and synthetic urine detection, ensuring results are tied to the right person without requiring intrusive, in-person observation.
Unlike breathalyzers, which only measure alcohol and require frequent testing to be effective, U-VERIFY™ tests for more than 70 substances, including fentanyl, kratom, ketamine, and commonly misused prescription drugs. This breadth makes it especially effective in family law cases where concerns extend beyond alcohol use. Results are returned within three business days and are legally defensible, supported by FamaTech’s SAMHSA-accredited laboratory standards.
Equally important, the system is designed with convenience in mind. Parents can complete tests remotely from home or work and ship samples securely to the lab. Attorneys and other stakeholders receive direct, simultaneous access to results, helping reduce disputes over accuracy or access.
As Krista noted in the conversation, building trust between co-parents is vital for children’s well-being. U-VERIFY™ supports that trust by providing clear, reliable, and legally defensible results. For protective parents, it offers assurance that their child’s safety is being safeguarded. For parents in recovery, it provides a way to demonstrate compliance without unnecessary obstacles.
In a field where every tool should focus on children’s best interests, U-VERIFY™ offers a significant step forward.
If you want to learn more about the Children First Family Law Podcast, check out www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/verified-sobriety-how-u-verify-protects-children-in-family-law.