Custody battles are among the most stressful situations parents face. You need a solid plan of action before going into court. These tips will help you prepare for your case.
How to Win a Child Custody BattleThe key to winning a child custody battle is to understand that this is a long process. It's going to take months before any judge will decide whether you should keep your kids or give them back to their mother. If you want to win, you need to stay positive throughout the entire process.
Before You StartThe first step is to gather all of the information you can from both sides. This includes gathering financial records, medical records, school reports, and any other documents that will help you understand each party's situation. It's important to note that this doesn't mean you should take sides. Instead, try to see things from each person's perspective.
PreparationThe first step in any legal dispute is gathering all the relevant information. This includes things like medical records, financial documents, and anything else that could be used against you. If you've already filed for divorce, this will include your spouse's financial documents.
Consider Your Living ArrangementsIf you live with your partner, consider whether you should move out. It's important to keep your relationship intact during this process, so you might want to talk to your partner first. Also, think about where you will live once you've moved out. Will you stay close to family members who could provide emotional support? Is there a place nearby that would allow you to continue working from home?
VisitationThe key to winning visitation rights is having a strong argument. If you can show that the noncustodial parent's behavior has negatively affected the child, then you've got a better chance at getting them to agree to visitations.
Cooperate With Your SpouseIf you want to win custody of your kids, you should try to cooperate with your spouse. The judge will take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to grant you custody.
Focus on the Best Interest of Your ChildThe best interest standard requires judges to consider all factors that might affect the welfare of the child, including the parents' fitness as caregivers, the stability of the home environment, the quality of parenting skills, and the emotional ties between the child and each parent.
Factors ConsideredThe first step is to gather all of the information you can find about the other parent's finances. This includes tax returns, bank statements, credit card bills, insurance policies, etc. If you can't access this information, then ask the other party for copies.
Work TogetherThis means having all of the information you need at hand before going to court. Bring copies of any documents that will help your case, including medical records, financial statements, and anything else that might help you win. It's also important to remember that you don't have to say everything out loud during the hearing; simply writing down notes or taking pictures of relevant information can help you later.
Address IssuesThis includes things like having a poor relationship with your ex, being behind on payments, or having a bad credit score. If you have a history of domestic violence, this will likely hurt your chances at winning custody.
Use Social Media With CautionIf you've ever had a friend who's gone through a divorce, you probably know that social media can become a source of stress during this difficult time. While many people turn to Facebook and Instagram to share happy news, others post angry messages or photos of their exes. It's important to keep in mind that your posts could be seen by friends, family members, or potential employers, so think carefully before posting anything online.
Maintain a Positive Role in Your Child's LifeThe best way to stay positive during a child custody battle is to remain engaged in your child's life. This means keeping regular contact with them through phone calls, text messages, emails, Skype, and social media. It also means being present at important events like school plays, sports games, and family gatherings.
How Do You Win a Child Custody Battle?The first thing to consider is whether you want joint or sole custody. Joint custody means both parents share decision-making power regarding the child's care. Sole custody means only one parent has decision-making power. If you decide to pursue joint custody, then you'll need to prepare yourself to take on the role of being a co-parent. This includes having regular meetings with the other parent, communicating regularly, and offering to pay child support.
If you choose sole custody, then you'll still need to show that you're able to provide for the needs of the child. To do this, you'll need to present financial information, including proof of income and expenses. It will also be important to demonstrate that you've done everything possible to keep the family together during the separation.
Understand the 'Better Parent' StandardThe court will look at what's best for the child, not just who has the better parenting skills. If both parents are fit, then it may be difficult to determine which one is "better." In most cases, the judge will consider the following factors:
The first step is to find a lawyer who has experience representing parents in custody cases. Then, ask them how they would approach your case. Do they think you should fight for joint legal custody, sole legal custody, or something else entirely? If you want to win custody of your kids, you will need to hire an experienced family law attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, who knows the ins and outs of this complex area of law. Contact us today at Thornton Esquire Law Group.