Dos and Don'ts For Winning Child Custody
Winning primary child custody isn’t easy, which is why you should learn what things to do, or avoid, to help present yourself in the best light possible when in court. Since child custody disputes are the most common and difficult, it’s important to make sure you have an attorney who is an expert in family law. At the Law Office of Donneshia M. Hall in NYC, we are here to assist you during this especially difficult and challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and get the help you deserve.
Show a Willingness to Work With Your Ex
No matter how you feel about your ex, you need to show that you are willing to work with him or her to avoid losing a child custody battle. Put your feelings aside so you can demonstrate to the court that you’re able to cooperate and work together.
Request an In-Home Custody Evaluation
A custody evaluation is a legal process in which a court-appointed expert will evaluate your family. Typically, the expert is a mental health professional. The expert will make a recommendation to the court for child custody, including a parental plan and residential custody. Requesting an evaluation can be beneficial, especially if you have concerns that your ex will try to portray your home life in a negative or damaging way.
Arrive on Time for Visits and Pickups
There are many times in life where you get stuck in traffic, are held after work, or have to wait in line for something. While all of these events are considered a regular part of life and can make you late for appointments, they are something you want to absolutely avoid when it comes to picking up your child during a child custody battle. Being a few minutes late might seem like a small thing, but it can be used against you in court. Your ex might document every time you are late for a pickup or miss a scheduled parenting time. Since the child custody case is a facts-only process, you want to avoid giving your ex the opportunity to show you’re unreliable.
Perception Matters
Unfortunately, during a child custody case, how you present yourself in court matters more than almost anything else. Regardless of how hard-working and dedicated you may be to your child, you need to make sure you present yourself in an ethical and competent manner for all court dates — dress appropriately, arrive on time, and display proper courtroom etiquette. Since your ex may try to portray you in a very negative light, you’ll want to make sure you present the best perception possible at all times in your dress, behavior, and timeliness.
Prepare Documentation and Learn About Family Law
Since child custody is part of family law, one of the best ways to prepare for court is to familiarize yourself with the family laws in your state. If you’re unsure where to start or what is important for you to know, then reach out to The Law Office of Donneshia M. Hall for our expert legal counsel. In addition to learning about family law, you’ll want to prepare documentation to provide evidence that supports your claims. Text messages, emails, photos, and videos are all items that can be useful and support your case.
Your Divorce Lawyer in New York
At The Law Office of Donneshia M. Hall in NYC, we’re here to help you through this difficult time. There are many aspects of divorce that can be incredibly stressful and emotional, and our job is to make sure you have the legal help and advice you need each step of the way. Contact our team today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
