Child custody cases are intricate and unpredictable. Therefore, you must equip yourself with all the necessary information to better your chances of winning your child custody case. Unfortunately, no specific formula exists to win, but the following tips increase your odds.
1. Maintain Reputable Parenthood StandardsCourts prioritize your child's best interest and need proof of good parenthood. Therefore, show that you can give your kids a stable and safe place to stay. Also, involve yourself in your child's life outside the home.
For instance, you could attend sports activities at your child’s school or help your child develop a skill. Other ways to promote healthy parenthood include:
- Avoid drug abuse and illegal activities, even when your kids are not around.
- Do not withhold visitation rights from your co-parent unless you have an urgent reason.
- Pay attention to your child's routine, meals, sleeping habits, and other activities that enhance physical wellness.
- Ensure consistent visitations and be punctual with drop-offs and pick-ups.
- Do not violate court orders or your divorce decree.
- Do not discuss child support or child visitation matters with your children.
Good parenthood betters your child’s well-being and enhances your chances of winning custody.
2. Cooperate With the Other ParentMost judges favor you if you support your child's relationship with your co-parent. However, if you want sole custody, you must prove that you are the better parent.
The courts may find other kinds of custody, like legal or physical custody, to be your child's better option. Therefore, show the court that you can cooperate with your ex-spouse to bring up your child.
Keep calm and positive throughout the custody battle, even if your ex-spouse does things to annoy you. Do not use false accusations or badmouth your co-parent. Such acts portray you as an angry and bitter person without restraint. As a result, the courts may find you too harsh, and you could get a ruling that does not favor you.
3. Monitor Your Online ActivitiesSome social media activities can make your ex-spouse portray you in a negative light. Evidence from inappropriate social media posts, comments, texts, emails, and voicemails can be damaging. Your social media posts can also portray your type of friends, state of mind, or spending habits. For example, if you have rowdy friends who frequent your place, the court may find your home unfavorable for the kids.
Do not delete any social media posts that may be evidence against you. If you do, the court will question your motives. Let your attorney find ways to ensure your ex-spouse does not use the posts against you.
You may also want to keep off social media until your custody case is complete. Ask your attorney to provide details about other social media safety measures in such cases.
4. Hire a Family Law AttorneyChild custody cases involve many complex legal, personal, and situational factors. No matter how positive you are that you will win, hire a child custody attorney. The attorney will help you manage your expectations, understand your rights, and explore other ways to win the case. Family law matters can be very emotional, but a family law attorney offers support throughout the process.
Family law attorneys have previously worked with similar cases and understand the court processes. Without an attorney, you will have to do all of the paperwork and research, which can be tiresome and complicated. Besides, you may make costly mistakes that weaken your case. However, family law attorneys build a stronger case for a favorable outcome.
In child custody cases, you must prove to the court that you are best fit to retain custody. So, use the above guidelines to enhance your chances of success. Then, if you need a family law attorney, do not hesitate to contact
Hoffman & Hoffman. Besides the usual work hours, you can book evening and weekend appointments to start your journey to a favorable child custody outcome.
