Nobody ever wants to go through the arduous process of fighting for custody over their children. But sadly, it sometimes happens, and in those cases, you must understand what is involved in such a battle and the steps you need to take as a parent.
Please stick with us as we talk you through the basic principles of hammering out child custody issues and what to do to get through this complex process as painlessly as possible.
Understanding the Basics of a Child Custody Battle
A child custody battle is when two people contest who will have legal and physical responsibility for a minor child or children. Generally speaking, this involves parents seeking primary residential care privileges from one another, as well as any joint decision-making regarding medical treatment, education, religion, etc.
It is best if both parties can agree on these matters without resorting to court action. Still, unfortunately, that isn’t always possible – especially if there has been some form of communication breakdown between them or other circumstances that make such agreements impossible.
Understanding your rights and obligations under local family laws becomes crucial if things go down this route. Before you proceed, spend time researching your state’s parenting plans regulations.
You also need to be aware of the types of child custody awarded by courts. Typically, physical and legal custody can either be sole or joint – each option has different implications for both parties involved in the battle. So make sure you are well informed on these matters before moving forward to prepare your case better accordingly.
Hire an Experienced Family Law Attorney
When it comes to a child custody battle, having the proper legal representation can be invaluable.
An experienced family law attorney will provide you with critical advice and guidance throughout this challenging process and help ensure your rights are protected in court proceedings.
Additionally, they have extensive knowledge of local laws, which could prove crucial when putting together a strategy for success; for instance, specialists in family law in New Orleans will serve clients that live in the area better than any legal experts from further afield.
Crucially, it would help if you remembered that even though hiring a lawyer may seem unnecessary at first glance, consider it more as an investment toward achieving your desired outcome.
Good lawyers will get access to vital evidence and leverage their experience in negotiating settlements where possible – both things which would otherwise be challenging if going through the process alone. So don’t skimp here and take time out to research potential attorneys who fit within your budget before committing yourself financially.
Collect Evidence to Support Your Case
Substantial evidence can make all the difference in determining the outcome of a child custody battle. Collecting relevant documents and other forms of proof is a vital step that often gets overlooked but could decide between winning or losing in court.
For instance, if you contest for primary physical custody, producing records showing financial stability, such as payslips or bank statements, may work in your favor – so don’t forget this important detail!
You also need to consider any witnesses who might know how you parent and what kind of relationship exists with your children, which could potentially bolster your case further.
Friends, family members, and even teachers from the school can provide valuable insight into how well-adjusted they are under current living arrangements. Take some time gathering witness statements, if possible, for this reason.
Finally, keep an eye out for any inconsistencies about the opposing party’s behavior – these, too, can help support arguments made by your attorney.
Get Organized: Create a Plan of Action
The more you prepare for your case ahead of court, the more successfully you’ll be able to navigate what is always a challenging process.
Create a plan or checklist for yourself that includes everything you need to keep in mind. For example, write down any important dates you may have forgotten (court hearings, etc.), list out what kind of proof could bolster your case in court, and make sure to keep copies of every document that is submitted by either party involved – even if they are not directly related to the proceedings at hand.
Your lawyer can advise, guide and assist you throughout, so hire one early and listen to what they have to say!