Child Custody Disputes: What You Can Do To Help Your Case

Getting divorced can be an extremely complex and stressful experience, especially when the couple gets into a child custody battle. Unfortunately, this happens a lot. Consequently, one of the first questions that separating parents often ask their divorce attorneys is, “What can I do to help win custody of my children?” This is a difficult question to answer as each divorce case is unique, however many parents seeking to have meaningful timesharing schedules with their children should consider these tips and suggestions. 

Helpful Tips

1. Keep your cool when interacting with your soon-to-be ex.

No matter how adversarial your divorce becomes it is critical that you let your attorney fight your battles for you and that you keep your cool when interacting with your spouse. Try to be cordial and polite, definitely refrain making any threats, and don’t say or do anything that could reflect negatively on you if your actions were to be presented as evidence in court. Additionally, keep in mind that your ex may very well be secretly recording your phone calls and in-person conversations.

1. Watch what you say to your children.

Be mindful of what you say to, and in front of, your children when going through a divorce. When one parent disparages the other within earshot of their children that insult usually has a funny way of getting back to the other parent. Not only is it unhealthy for children to be used as go-betweens but the court does not appreciate when a parent badmouths the other in front of their shared children.

1. Think twice before moving in with a new significant other.

While you may be tempted to move in with a new significant other before your divorce is finalized don’t do so before discussing the potential legal ramifications with your attorney. Children have been known to be uncomfortable around a divorcing parent’s new boyfriend/girlfriend and sometimes even refuse to visit their parent’s home if they are living with a new significant other. Therefore, moving in with a new significant other often does not bode well for a parent who is in the midst of contested child-related matters.

1. Follow all court orders to a T, especially those involving child support and timesharing rights.

If you have been ordered to pay child support then be sure to comply fully. Additionally, if you or your spouse has been granted timesharing rights make sure to pick up and drop off your children at the agreed-upon time and location. Stay involved in your children’s lives and continue to provide for them no matter what. 

Need Legal Advice? 

As mentioned above, each divorce case is unique and no two custody disputes are exactly alike. Therefore, if you are fighting for time with your children it is vitally important that you consult with a local family law attorney about your legal options without delay. If you are getting divorced in Florida, experienced Boca Raton parenting plan and timesharing attorney David L. Hirschberg is here to help. Mr. Hirschberg has had a distinguished career representing high-profile clients throughout Florida and would be happy to sit down with you during a confidential consultation at our Boca Raton office. To schedule a meeting simply fill out our online contact form or give us a call at (561) 763-7622.