Divorce is difficult enough, and when children are involved — things become exponentially more difficult. If you are preparing for a child custody case, here are a few things you should do to ensure the best outcome for you and your children.
Navigating a child custody case can raise a number of questions that can overwhelm any parent. From helping your child understand their situation to establishing an agreed upon parenting schedule, it’s easy to get lost in a list of to-do’s when beginning your custody battle.
Here are five things you should do during a child custody case:
- Hire An Attorney: Each custody case is different, but one thing is for certain — you do not have to endure it alone. As soon as you know you will be facing a child custody case, contact an experienced attorney to help. Attorneys can provide helpful insight to your situation while helping you prepare for your case and understanding the possible outcomes.
- Prioritize Your Child: Remember that your custody case is not a tool to hurt your ex, but a way to help your child maintain structure and ensure they are in their best possible living situation. Take time to put your custody battle aside and spend time with your child and remind them that everything will be okay.
- Turn Off Social Media: It can be tempting to use social media as a personal way to vent your frustrations during your custody case, but don’t. Any and all social media posts can be used against you in court and can actually hurt your chances of winning your custody case. Likewise, it is also a good idea to refrain from sending negative text messages to your ex that can be saved for later use.
- Watch What You Say: No matter your personal feelings toward your ex, it’s important to watch what you’re saying about them to other people, especially your children. Hearing their parents talk poorly about the other parent can confuse your child and put unnecessary stress on them during this time.
- Tell The Truth: When it comes to your child custody case, be honest with your attorney and be honest with the court with everything they ask. Hiding facts or lying about your situation can only hurt your credibility and result in an unfavorable hearing.
For more information about child custody cases from the experts at Schmitt Law, PLLC, please contact us online to arrange a consultation or call us directly at 616.608.4634. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
