3 Mistakes to Avoid in Child Custody Disputes
Child custody cases are complicated for families and couples going through a divorce. In fact, fighting over child custody can turn caring parents into strangers who only care about outdoing each other. However, children are not chess pieces for parents to move around on a whim. Despite this fact, some spouses still lose focus on their child's interest, which often ends in a disastrous outcome. Thus, it is critical to understand the most common mistakes spouses make in child custody matters.
Not Preparing for Court Specialists -- One critical mistake that most parents make during child custody cases is treating family report interviews lightly. Some judges strictly follow family reports prepared by a coach, while others may consider them even if they do not use them in their final decision. Therefore, you must not underestimate the importance of family reports prepared for judges in family courts. Rather than assuming that a judge will not use the reports, it is best to consider the effect on your child custody case. It means that you must prepare well for a family report interview. You must be honest to a fault. Remind your children to be nice and explain why they need to talk to a psychologist and social worker. This will help the child feel prepared.
Involving Children in Legal Proceedings -- Tempers often flare in child custody proceedings as each parent tries to convince a judge that they are the best guardian. However, a reputable judge will do their best to ensure that the decision they arrive at is in a child's best interest. Therefore, the last thing you should think about doing is involving a child in custody proceedings. Unfortunately, some parents take their children to court, which is the easiest way to upset a judge. Some parents verbally attack each other during child custody proceedings, and sometimes the exchanges are not pleasant for adults, let alone children. Unless a judge permits children in court, do not bring them to your custody hearings. It is inappropriate and harms your chances of winning the child custody case.
Denying One Parent Access to the Child -- It is arguably one of the worst things any parent can do to the other in a custody dispute. Indeed, there are situations when protecting your child is more important than proving that you are a good co-parent. A parent who is denying their spouse access to their child should demonstrate that their action is in the child's best interest. However, parents should make their children accessible to one another if there is no risk of harm. It shows a family court that you are willing to co-parent.
To learn more, contact a family law solicitor.