Criminal Lawyer
It is a devastating feeling to go through a child custody case and to not be awarded physical custody of your children. If you have just gone through a child custody case and were not awarded with the custody you want, it is not impossible to get custody of your child. Noncustodial parents who want to get some type of custody of their children may want to hire a family law attorney to help with their case.
In addition to hiring a family law attorney, there are a few other tips you should know if you are trying to get custody of your child.
- Know your state’s laws. You should become familiar with your state’s child custody laws. This will ensure that you are aware of your rights as well as your children’s rights.
- Have a home study. If you are trying to get custody of your child, the court have require you to have a formal child custody evaluation. This would involve sending an evaluator to your house in order to see where you and your children would live and to talk with you about how you would provide for your children’s needs. It is understandable that this would be a seen as a scary idea. However, it is in your best interest to have an open mind and to be yourself throughout the full process.
- Provide character witnesses. It is advised to find a few key people that are able to speak to the involvement you have with your child as well as those who can provide evidence of your skills as a parent. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may want to speak with each witness in person or they could have to submit a written statement.
Factors to Help a Parent Get Custody of their Children
The court uses a number of factors when deciding the ability of each parent to get child custody. Some of the most common factors are:
- The Children’s Best Interests: The first deciding factor a court uses when determining who should get child custody is what is in the best interest of the children.
- Communication Between the Parents: The court views parents who are able to speak about their children’s upbringing with one another favorably.
- Documentation: It is important for the parent trying to get child custody to be prepared with all necessary documents, including information on child support payments and visitation.
- Courtroom Etiquette: How parents present themself in the courtroom could affect how the judge views each parent. It is important that parents dress appropriately to court and present themselves in a calm demeanor.
- Involvement: If a parent wants to get child custody, they should remain involved in their children’s lives throughout the child custody process. By showing they are committed to being in their children’s lives in any capacity, a judge’s decision could be impacted.
If you and the parent of your children have a difference of opinion on custody, it may benefit you to hire a child custody lawyer. By having a qualified professional on your side, they will work on your behalf to defend your rights while keeping your children’s best interests as their top priority.
