Fighting for the custody of your children is very serious. Many parents make costly mistakes when it comes to getting the custody of their children during a divorce. In fact, a couple simple mistakes could determine whether or not you get your children in a custody battle. That is why it is so important that you make sure that you are taking the right steps to protect yourself. Here are some things that you should and shouldn't do.
1. Stay Employed
Having a good, steady job is essential for custody battles. The courts look favorably on the parent who shows that they can hold a steady job and care for their children's financial needs. If you are laid off from your current job, it is important that you find something in between to keep some sort of income. Although it may not be your ideal job, such as a receptionist, waiter or waitress, it will at least show you have some sort of job until you can find something more permanent.
2. Be Careful About Asking For More Child Support
Some parents make the mistake of getting greedy when it comes to child support. Remember child support is a double-edged sword. Child support and the amount of time that the child spends with the other parent directly correlate to each other. If you go to a judge and tell them that caring for the child is becoming more expensive and you need more money, the judge might be inclined to give more time to your ex-spouse to help care for the extra burden, instead of ordering them to pay more money.
3. Don't Withhold Visitation
Once you do come to an agreement about visitation it is important that you follow the rules the judge has set. Do not withhold visitation between the children and your ex-spouse. If you make it hard for your spouse to see your children, it could mean that they appeal the court and you would be court ordered to give them even more time.
4. Don't Bad Mouth Your Ex
Although you might have bad feelings about your spouse, don't think that talking negatively about them to a judge is going to get you anywhere. The judge needs to see that you care more about the needs of the child than the differences between you and your ex-spouse. For this reason, be professional and focus on the children's needs rather than your disdain for your ex-partner.
By avoiding these mistakes you will be more likely to get custody of your children. For more help with fighting a custody battle, consider contacting a lawyer from a firm like Mills & Mills Law Group.
