Child Custody Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce
Posted on Jan 24, 2017 2:15pm PST
Child custody case outcomes can have a deep effect on a child’s future and the family’s
dynamics. One small mistake could mean the difference between primary
custody and supervised visitation.
Whether you are going through a divorce or disputing custody with the other
parent, it is important that you understand your rights and how your case
can impact your child. Know how to conduct yourself respectfully and with
dignity during family law proceedings. Being aware of common custody mistakes
and how to avoid them can help you make better choices in your case.
During a child custody case, make sure that you avoid doing the following:
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Disobeying court orders: If there is a temporary court order in place, such as a temporary custody/support
order or protection order, never violate the terms. Violating any type
of court order can leave you with penalties and seriously damage your
custody case.
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Breaking the law: Getting arrested or being investigated for a crime can hurt your chances
of getting custody, even if you have not been convicted yet. Judges will
often evaluate a parent’s background when determining whether they
are fit parents, and looking at one’s criminal past is something
that can be taken into consideration.
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Telling lies: The absolute worst thing you can do is lie to the judge and lie to your
lawyer. When a judge finds you to be untruthful, this can destroy your
credibility and possibly ruin your chances of gaining a favorable custody
arrangement. If you lie to your lawyer, he/or will have a difficult time
properly representing you.
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Using social media recklessly: Social media is now becoming a popular source of evidence in divorce
and custody cases. Every text you send or every post you make on Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms can be
used against you. A simple social media post has the potential to turn
into accusations of bad parenting. To avoid any issues, it is best that
you refrain from posting anything until your divorce is over.
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Shutting off communication: When parents break off communication with the other party, you may be
showing the court that you are uncooperative and or emotionally unequipped
to be a suitable parent. What you should instead do is maintain communication,
stay calm, and keep a level head when making decisions.
Proven Family Law Advocacy for Parents & Families
Child custody cases can be emotional, complex, and challenging for all
parties involved. At the Arnold Law Group, our goal is to make sure that
your child is protected and shielded from the parent’s disputes.
We understand how traumatic child custody cases can be on young children,
and we work hard to help our clients find amicable and fair solutions
that make sense. Through each phase of your case, you can turn to our
Fresno divorce lawyers for trusted counsel and support.
If you would like to learn more about your rights during a custody case
or if you need strong legal guidance, call our team at (559) 900-1263.