For divorcing parents, child custody is among one of their biggest concerns during the process. It is a legal matter that is often so emotionally charged that it is easy to make costly mistakes that can derail the outcome. If you are dealing with a child custody dispute, take a moment to review some of the most common missteps you should avoid, so you are better prepared.
Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes
Although child custody disputes can be extremely contentious, do not treat this process as a battle from the start. It is best for you and your children if you make an attempt to be civil and open to compromise. If the situation gets too heated and you are both unwilling to cooperate, your case will take considerably more time, resulting in higher legal fees and possibly an outcome neither parent is satisfied with.
Here are some other child custody mistakes you should avoid:
- Making impulsive decisions: Naturally, since your children mean so much to you, it is easy to get emotional and act impulsively. However, this is how many parents make mistakes, so it is best to keep your cool and only act on sound legal advice.
- Making negative remarks about your spouse: There are probably a lot of mean things you might want to say about your spouse, but none of that should be said around your children or even in court. Otherwise, you will not seem supportive of your co-parent’s relationship with the children.
- Not complying with the court order: Finalizing a divorce can take time and, in many cases, temporary court orders are necessary. If you have a temporary custody or support order in place, it is important that you comply with them.
- Not hiring an attorney: Family law can be complex, so you should not attempt to navigate your child custody case on your own, without representation. A lot is at stake, so now is not the time to cut corners.
- Not being available for your children: If you want custody of your children, prove to the court that time with them matters to you. You may have a lot on your plate, especially now that you are going through a divorce, but it is essential to show that you are there for your children.
Reach Out to Our Compassionate Family Law Team for a Case Evaluation!
If your marriage is ending and you have children, it is essential to hire an attorney to represent you and guide you through the process. At Cynthia Tracy, Attorney at Law, P.C., our divorce team is committed to helping clients navigate each step of the process.
Call our law office today at (281) 612-5443 to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.
