As a parent, a child custody hearing is a worrying experience. Will full custody be awarded to one of you? Will you get joint custody? What rights might you lose when the hearing is over? Because of the seriousness of this hearing, people try to make sure all of their bases are covered. However, there are three mistakes many parents make when seeking custody.
They Don’t Hire the Best Attorney
The attorney you choose for the custody hearing should be the best attorney you can afford. You want someone who is experienced in child custody matters and is able to work with you to get the best results. This is not the time to bargain shop for a lawyer. A good attorney may make the difference in your outcome.
You need a lawyer that is willing and able to work with the other parent’s attorney to ensure that both of you are satisfied with the arrangement. The best attorney is one that can help you in a custody hearing, but can also work with you if your ex is willing to compromise.
They’re Not Willing to Compromise
You will not get everything you want in your child custody hearing. If the other parent were willing to give you what you want, there would be no need for a hearing. Your lawyer may try to strike a deal with your ex’s attorney in order to avoid the custody hearing. Be open to suggestions. If you can strike a deal before the hearing that gives you most of what you want, consider it.
Many people go into a custody hearing believing they are right, and the other parent is wrong. They don’t see how the other parent could get custody. Sometimes women feel that they will automatically get custody. A person who remarried may feel that they should have custody instead of their single still ex. The problem is, there is no way to determine what will happen in court. If you can solve the custody issue without court, you’re more likely to get a deal that works for you.
They Forget It’s All About the Kids
Sometimes in the midst of a divorce or break up, people forget what’s important. A parent may be so focused on “getting back” at their ex that they use their child’s custody as a weapon. Their child becomes a way to harm their ex. This is a mistake that can not only hurt your chances of getting custody but can also harm your relationship with your child.
You don’t have to be your ex’s best friend. However, since both of you are supposed to be there for your child, you need to be ready to put away your negative feelings toward your ex, in order to make sure your child is taken care of. Nothing reflects more poorly on a parent than hearing that they have used their child for revenge. Before you do anything concerning your child and your ex, consider the reason you are doing it.
Contact Harden Law today for more information.
