Know the Basics with Child Custody
There are some things to consider when
going through a divorce if you are seeking custody through a child custody attorney.
Some things to consider include:
- What the judge cares about
- How you should interact with your spouse
- How you should interact with your kids
- How you should deal with your job
- Where you should live
A child custody attorney will go over all these aspects in detail to make sure you are doing all the big and even little things to help get custody of your child.
What the Judge Cares About
A first step in figuring out how to get custody is figuring out what the judge is going to want. Then you can work on giving it to him or her through your
child custody attorney.
Overall, the judge wants the children to have stability, continuity, financial support, medical care, love, and the presence of parents as much as possible.
In particular, the judge will likely consider:
- A true desire to be the custodial parent
- Time to spend on the child
- Stability
- Financial support
- Quality of schools
- Quality of recreation
- A parent’s past
A child custody attorney will know the ins and outs of all these factors that a judge looks at closely to ensure a positive outcome for you and your family.
How You Should Interact With a Spouse
In order to get custody, it is usually best to show two things:
- That you are not badmouthing your spouse to the children.
- That you can include your spouse in raising your children.
There are exceptions. If your spouse is an alcoholic, a drug user, or abusive, then the judge may be willing to let you cut your spouse out of the process.
In the majority of cases, the judge wants to see both spouses participating in raising the child. If not, the judge will more likely grant custody to the spouse who appears to be cooperating and flexible in sharing time and responsibilities for the kids.
You and your child custody attorney can come up with a way to show that you will let your spouse participate in the child’s life.
How You Should Interact With the Child
A child custody attorney will tell you several things to do and not to do when going through a divorce if you want custody.
- Here are some things to keep in mind when you are with your children, which will help in your quest for custody:
- Do not badmouth your spouse.
- As much as you can manage it, do not lean on your children.
- Keep your composure in front of them; do not break down
- Be there for them physically as much as reasonably possible.
- Keep stable routines.
- Be the parent who the child calls in the middle of the night.
- Drive the kids around to their activities.
- Be the parent who helps with their homework.
- Help with the religious training.
- Go to school functions and teacher meetings.
- In general, encourage the child's development and well-being.
- If you are currently the custodial parent, do not take a vacation but relax alone or with a few friends at home after the kids have gone to bed. Do not start new outside activities that take up your time or drive you away from your kids.
Once again, a child custody attorney will know all this and will guide you through your trying time to help you gain custody and keep your child safe.
How to Deal With Your Job
With a custody decision hanging over your head, you have to plan your career moves and timing with the custody decision in mind and a child custody attorney will keep reminding you of this.
A child custody attorney will tell you that if you have a job, it is important to show that you still have enough time and energy to care for your children.
- Regular hours. Try to schedule yourself to have regular hours, so you can be available for your children at predictable times.
- Part time. Try to work only part time. If that is not possible, try to work a 40-hour full-time job.
- No travel. Try to have a job that does not require travel.
- Back up. Try to have a back up person, like your mother or a relative, available for emergencies.
- After-school supervision. Do not let your children come home to an empty house.
- Evening supervision. Do not leave a child unsupervised at night.
Parents re surprised when child custody attorneys tell them this may mean turning down a promotion, or taking a less interesting job. A child custody attorney will go over all the important aspects of dealing with your career as you try to gain custody of your child.
With all these important decisions hanging over your head, it is vital to contact a child custody attorney to make the right moves as child custody proceedings can be overwhelming