Custody battles are hard. They are emotional. They are challenging. You need to know exactly what you should do every step of the way, especially if you are afraid of losing custody of your children.
On top of that, though, you need to know what not to do. One mistake could spell disaster. Here are four things you should not do:
- Tell your children what to say: Your children may be old enough to have a say in court, but do not coach them. The judge wants to hear your child’s honest thoughts and opinions to make a decision with the child’s best interests in mind. If it is obvious that you have been drilling the children on how to respond, it’s problematic.
- Keep your questions to yourself: People sometimes assume they are supposed to know everything about the custody process, and they feel foolish asking questions. Do not keep silent. Always ask if you have a question so that you do not accidentally make a mistake or the wrong decision.
- Violate a court order: It may feel unfair to you. You may think you are acting in the best interests of your family. Even so, you should never violate any order. You will likely make things worse for yourself.
- Lie to the judge: Always be honest. Do not lie to make yourself look better or, as many people do, to make your spouse look worse. Getting caught in a lie can wreck your chances of getting the custody you are seeking. Do not take that risk. Stick to the truth and show why you deserve custody rights.
These tips can help as you start the divorce process, but make sure you take the time to look into all of your legal options. If would like to learn more and talk to an attorney that specializes in family law, call the Quinn Law Firm at 814-806-2518
Source: Huffington Post, “What Not to Do in a Custody Battle,” Ashley Tate Cooper, accessed April 12, 2018