5 Things To Keep In Mind When Fighting For Child Custody

Child custody battles can become complicated, especially if both parents have a strong case. Often, these disputes end up in the courts, where a family lawyer will be invaluable to you.

They will be able to help you put together a strong case, maximising your chances of a positive outcome. However, there are also plenty of things that you should keep in mind when you’re fighting for child custody. You shouldn’t ever rely solely on your lawyer to get the job done.

Considering these five things will help you build the strongest case possible:

  1. Make sure you choose your lawyer carefully

It can be easy to fall into the trap of using the cheapest or most accessible lawyer. If you really want to achieve the best child custody outcome possible, it’s very important to make sure that you don’t do this.

Instead, you should choose your lawyer very carefully. Take things like their experience, their training, and their track record with child custody disputes into account. At the same time, make sure that they’re friendly and approachable.

  1. Try and build an objective case

Building and presenting an objective case to the courts will maximise your chances of achieving a positive outcome, especially if the facts are in your favor. Don’t try and bring the other party down by exaggerating or presenting false statements, but do everything you can to put together an objective case that’s strong and compelling.

  1. Try and outline why you’re the better parent

In order to be awarded custody of your children, the courts will need some proof that you’re the better parent and that there’s some reason for them to prioritise you over your former partner.

It’s therefore important to make sure that you spend a lot of time putting together a case that presents you as the better parent. Once again, make sure that you stick to the facts, but make sure that you present these facts in a way that puts you in a positive light.

  1. Document everything possible

When you get to court you will need to be able to back up your case with hard proof. The judge won’t trust your memory alone, which means that it’s super important to make sure that you document every aspect of your case.

For example, this includes things like writing down when you spend time with your children, who is paying the bills, and why both you and your ex look after the kids at certain times.

  1. Try and settle out of court

Although I’ve written this article under the assumption that you’re already going to court, it’s worth reinforcing the idea that it’s always best to try and settle custody disputes out of court. This is usually your best chance of achieving a positive resolution, as the courts won’t always see things in the same light you do.

Final word

Ultimately, the best thing for you and your children will be to achieve a peaceful resolution to your child custody dispute. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. But, the tips that I’ve outlined above will help you maximise your chances of a positive outcome if your case does go to court.