Hello, I'm Karla Mitchell. Going through a legal case can be very expensive and challenging. I won't go into details, but I recently underwent my own legal battle that lasted several years. It is finally over and I successfully received a settlement, but I had to spend so much time studying law in order to play my role in my own court case. While I found a great attorney at one point, I felt completely lost initially and I don't want anyone else to experience the same thing. So I decided to create this blog for those who would like to know more about law.
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For many parents, the child custody case is the most critical part of a divorce, overshadowing the division of property and assets. This is understandable when you consider the pain of not living in the same house with your kids anymore or sending them every weekend to your ex's house.
Unfortunately, out of anger and desperation, some people commit mistakes that jeopardize their child custody chances. Here are four mistakes to avoid at all costs.
1. Using Social Media Recklessly
Social media platforms provide a space where anyone can vent their frustrations or struggles and receive sympathy, likes, and comments. However, anything that's posted online becomes public and may be used against you in court.
Even if your accounts are private or you have blocked your ex, resist the temptation to post threats, derogatory remarks about your ex, rants about the case, or anything violent, as that's the first point of investigation for your ex and their lawyer.
Also, avoid oversharing information on your activities. For example, posting your photos while at a party taking 'shots' can be used by your ex to show you have an alcohol or substance abuse problem. Ideally, keep off social media until the case is complete.
2. Bashing the Other Parent In Front of Your Kids
This is one of the most common mistakes made by parents during divorces. Sure, your ex may be the worst person ever in your eyes, but your child loves them. Parent bashing often makes the child feel confused about their feelings and pressured to take sides, which can affect their upbringing and health.
Besides, judges will look unfavorably upon you if they learn you're badmouthing your ex in front of your kids. That's because they're aware of the negative impact it can have on children. If you feel you need to air your grievances, talk to your child custody lawyer or a psychologist, and they'll listen to you.
3. Showing a Lack of Cooperation and Communication
Courts are hesitant to give primary custody to a person who is unwilling to communicate or cooperate with the other side. If you unilaterally make decisions concerning the kids or behave in a way that portrays you as the primary decision-maker, you're hurting your child custody request.
This isn't to mean you should be best friends with your ex. Rather, courts just want to see you promote a good relationship between the kids and the other parent, especially in a joint custody situation. If you find it hard meeting the other parent, you can agree on a medium of communication like email or text for the sake of your children.
4. Not Working with a Child Custody Lawyer
Between the visitation schedules, court dates, and legal paperwork, it's easy to get overwhelmed if you try to handle everything on your own. A lawyer represents you to ensure everything goes on as planned. They'll be your voice in court, so you don't say something that kills the entire case. Most importantly, they'll use their knowledge and experience to show the courts that you're a responsible person who can be entrusted with the kids. Reach out to local child custody lawyers to learn more.
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