[lightning]

Fortunately, I've never personally had to deal with a situation like this - but here is my two cents - like MC said, a 12 yr old knows what he wants but does he know what he needs? Alcohol addiction is tough to deal with. A letter from a lawyer is probably not a strong enough shot across the bow. I think you need to go ahead and start the procedure to remove the boy from that home. His worries in life need to be more like how he is going to pass his next science test, why girls smell good, how to hit a home run, etc. He shouldn't be worrying about mom. The judge might deny your petition, but the next time it happens the judge won't deny it. It might seem cruel to the boy to yank him out of his home but it is best for him in the long run. Just my opinion. I didn't get all these ugly wrinkles on my face from playing tennis at the country club - they came from getting a working man's PhD. I need to rest now.