Custody battles are among the most stressful aspects of a divorce. Accordingly, how you present your case will have a huge impact on the court’s decision. Although most parents mean well, they often make mistakes that call their child-rearing ability into question, and these mistakes will have lasting consequences for their families.
As trusted child custody lawyers for women in Birmingham, The Law Firm of Victoria is all too familiar with the common custody mistakes parents make. As a result, they use their considerable legal knowledge to guide parents to make the right decisions, which is crucial during contentious divorce proceedings. By avoiding the following mistakes, you will greatly increase your chance of a favorable custody decision.
1. Maligning Your Ex in Court
It’s natural to feel resentful of your ex during a divorce. After all, this person’s actions may have contributed to the demise of your marriage, whether they involved infidelity, neglect, or other problematic behaviors. It’s also natural to link these personality flaws to your ex’s ability to be a fit parent. Whether or not this is true, remember that the court often looks down on parents who appear outwardly bitter and resentful. The goal is to do what’s best for the child, and most agree that having a loving relationship with both parents is best. If you appear unwilling to work with your ex when it comes to raising your child, it will negatively impact your custody case.
2. Revealing Too Much Information
Venting to others about your custody case may feel cathartic at the moment, but it can also lead to your ex gaining an advantage over you in court. That’s why you want to keep your legal strategy between you and your attorneys. When speaking with loved ones, leave out sensitive information, such as any evidence you plan on using to strengthen your case. Also, refrain from discussing the case with your ex until the decision has been made.
3. Not Playing an Active Role
While securing experienced child custody lawyers is a must, that doesn’t mean you can sit back and let your attorney assume all responsibility for your case. There are a number of things you can do on your own to improve your chances of gaining custody. For instance, you want to be well aware of local custody laws, as these will guide the court’s decision. It’s also a good idea to research your judge and decisions involving previous custody cases. This information will help devise your legal strategy, but it will also help you stay informed during the process.
4. Speaking on Behalf of Your Kids
Barring instances of abuse, kids are better off when both parents play an active role in their lives. Parents who proclaim that their children favor them or need them more than the other parent paint a very poor picture of themselves in court. If your children are older and have strong opinions about custody decisions, they may be able to speak for themselves depending on where you live. However, refrain from making these statements on your own. Once again, you could appear bitter or resentful about your divorce, and this could be interpreted as an inability to work with the other parent when it comes to important child-rearing decisions.
5. Allowing Your Emotions to Take Hold
Divorce is an emotional roller-coaster. It’s not uncommon to experience sadness, guilt, anger, betrayal, depression, as well as a wide range of other feelings. Making decisions while experiencing these emotions can be a bit tricky and can also lead you down the wrong path in terms of custody. When emotions are getting the better of you, rely on your legal team for unbiased information and guidance. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action, which may counter the emotions you’re feeling. Also, don’t be swayed by what others have to say about the matter. Stick with your legal strategy and try to keep emotions in check when making decisions that will impact you as well as your kids.
Contact The Law Firm of Victoria
The Law Firm of Victoria is dedicated to supporting women during their divorces, whether they need help with a fierce custody battle or are fighting for assets that are rightfully theirs. This firm also offers experienced child support lawyers, who ensure that both parents play an equal role in financially caring for kids. Schedule a consultation today by calling (248) 780-1775. You can also learn more about our custody services.