Family Law: Preparing For Your Custody Hearing

While the courts in theory want what is ideal for the kid, determining that is not always cut and dried. In situations where there are indications of abuse, completely severing ties between a parent and a child isn't something that the courts will do lightly. Knowing what to do to prepare yourself for this particular hearing long before it happens will better your chances of obtaining a good ruling.

 

This will make certain you don't overlook any significant legal issues in the procedure that can turn the courts against you on a technicality. As soon as you have a family lawyer on your side, it is time to get organized.

 

 

The courts may wish to realize that you appreciate the time you have available with your children. Keep logs of all time spent with your child. If you don't currently have primary custody, then log all your visitation times. If you do have primary custody, monitor the total amount of time that another parent spends with the kids, as well as particular activities you do with them. This often clearly reveals the courts that parent puts their priorities with the kids. Sometimes it's going to be both, while in others one parent will definitely glow in this regard. If you don't have custody along with your ex does not allow you to see the kids when you ask it, make sure you log this information as well. Family law can get complicated, but having accurate records can help.

 

One thing that family law courts wish to see is that you are financially capable of caring for your children's needs. Have the paperwork prepared that reveals your savings accounts, income, and any benefits you've got. If you're looking for work, which may be the case if you were a stay-at-home parent before the divorce, you have to be able to prove that you have a strategy to receive employment, or you have a source of income out of a salary that will allow you to look after your children.

 

If you feel you are in a good spot to attain custody, then you also will need to estimate just how much it costs to care for your kids. Use your records to show all the costs related to childcare, such as petrol expenses, clothing, and even day care costs. The courts will utilize this information to ascertain how much child support your ex will need to pay.

 

Lastly, talk to your child concerning the family law process. Don't forget to make it as positive as possible for them. While you are attempting to establish, in a way, that you're the "best" parent, then you must not try to skew the youngster's opinion of their other parent. Leave the conflict in the courtroom, not the house. If things get particularly difficult in the custody battle, contemplate using an objective third party counselor speaks with your child, like a college counselor or a church minister. Your goal is to have the best possible outcome for your kid, so bear this in mind during the process.