Are you going through a heated custody case, or intend to be involved in a custody case in the near future? If so, the following list may help you from making unnecessary mistakes.
- Attend ALL parent/teacher conferences with your children’s school
- Stay in weekly contact with the teachers (through email, telephone or in person)
- Address issues your children are having in school
- Attend all extra-curricular school activities of the children
- Place the children in counseling (if necessary)
- No dating – it shows the court that you are placing the children’s needs ahead of your own
- Do not spend the night away from home unless it is for business (and it can be documented as such)
- Do not have boyfriends/girlfriends spend the night (once again, no dating)
- No social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.,)
- Do not argue or use foul language with the other parent (especially in front of the children)
- Do not disparage the other parent in front of the children
- Attend church with the children and enroll them in any activities that are age appropriate
- Do not stalk, harass, or continually call the other parent
- Make sure all emails to the other parent are of a content you would not be embarrassed to have a judge read (as they can be used against you in a custody evaluation and at trial)
- No drug or alcohol use: you may be required by the court to take a drug screen
- Do not go to bars or nightclubs with friends/girlfriends/boyfriends (as any activity maybe documented and used against you at trial)
- If your license has been revoked or suspended, no driving
- No fighting or encounters with the other parent when you are at exchanges
- If you are having issues at exchanges, document the exchanges via video
- No illegal activity: do not get arrested
- If the other party has alleged that you have a drug or alcohol issue – obtain a drug screen every thirty (30) days during the duration of the divorce
- Do not test “dirty” on any drug screen
- Note that your activities may be documented by a private investigator and used at trial
CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON CUSTODY. GRAND RAPIDS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.
Custody is a sensitive topic in divorce cases. Child custody mediation will put your child first and set you up for a healthy co-parenting relationship. With an experienced attorney and mediator like Laurie Schmitt, you will be able to navigate your new family dynamic with clear understanding and communication. Looking for a professional and experienced family law attorney, contact us online or give us a call at (616) 608-4634. At Schmitt Law, PLLC our commitment is to you!
