For a parent, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of their children and the prospect of that bond being threatened can be terrifying. If you are fighting for custody of your children, you should be aware of some of the most common and costly mistakes parents make during this process, so you know what to avoid during this emotionally challenging time.
Knowing What Mistakes to Avoid
A child custody dispute can feel a lot like a battle, especially if you are on particularly bad terms with your co-parent. However, it is crucial to try to de-escalate this situation as much as possible. You and your co-parent will continue to be in each other’s lives as you raise your children together, so it is essential to maintain civility during this process. Moreover, if you appear uncooperative or combative in court, this will backfire on you. Family courts believe it is important for parents to be supportive of one another’s relationship with the children, so it would be more beneficial for you to show a willingness to compromise.
Additionally, many parents make the mistake of failing to hire legal representation early on in the process. Family law is complex, and tensions often run high in such cases, so having a legal advocate guide you and advise you of your rights and legal options can be a great advantage.
Here are some additional mistakes you should avoid:
- Saying negative things about your co-parent to your children: Again, this will make you seem unsupportive of your children’s relationship with their other parent. If you want to vent, do so with a close friend or family member when your children are not around.
- Not taking advantage of scheduled visitation: Your case is probably taking a lot of time and energy, in addition to your other responsibilities, but you should always prioritize visitation with your children. Flaking out on precious time with them can make you seem unreliable.
- Not understanding what “the best interests of the children” means: In the context of any child-related legal matter, it is important to understand that a judge will always render a decision based on the best interests of the children. Several factors fall under this umbrella and a judge will carefully examine each one, so take some time to learn what it means in this context.
Discuss the Details of Your Child Custody Case with a Skilled Family Law Attorney
If you are trying to obtain custody of your children, you need to consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney. At Garza Law Firm, LLLP, our legal team is committed to guiding families through some of the most sensitive matters. You can rely on our experienced attorneys to secure the best possible results for your case.
Reach out to our law office at (214) 225-4344 to set up a consultation.