If you are sharing the custody of a child with his/her other parent or in the middle of fighting for sole custody, the slightest mistake could become an obstacle to your goal. Bear in mind that your intentions should be in the best interests of the child, which is exactly what the family court prefers. Law enforcement wants both parents to participate in the child’s life, because it is typically what ensures their wellbeing and happiness. Sole physical and legal custody of the child is not granted under normal circumstances. If you believe that your ex is unfit to be a parent, you must possess reasonable grounds to present such allegations.
Both parents have rights and responsibilities over the child, so it is essential to maintain that balance. The court will monitor you closely during the proceedings of a child custody case; therefore, it is imperative to avoid actions that place you in a questionable position. The following are some common mistakes known to hinder success in a child custody case:
1. Defying the Court Orders
If the court has equipped the other parent with visitation rights, you cannot stop them from seeing the child. Keeping the child away from the other parent against the court’s orders is illegal, thus you will have to face the consequences. Your actions may encourage the other parent to play the victim card, which will make you look like the bad guy. It is compulsory to be on your best behavior and respect the court’s decision.
2. Badmouthing or Misbehaving with the other Parent
You and your ex may have your differences, though exhibiting hatred for them in public is a bad idea. If you tell off your ex in person, on call, or through text messages, you are literally providing them ammunition to use against you. Similarly, saying something offensive about your ex on social media might backfire in more ways than one. Last but not least, never manipulate your child to despise the other parent; individuals who engage in such foul play earn a bad repute in court.
3. Refusing to Cooperate or Compromise
The parent who is always eager to cooperate and willing to compromise shall naturally be perceived as a better person and parent. On the contrary, the parent who always disagrees on everything and promotes conflict just to get on the nerves of their ex won’t be viewed as a sensible or rational person. It is important to demonstrate that you care for the child, and that you are willing to go to great lengths to give them the best life.
4. Not hiring an Attorney
If your ex has an attorney representing them, but you don’t, you are certainly at a huge disadvantage. It can be impossible to fend off allegations or make a strong case without the intervention of a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer. Family Law Attorney in Baltimore, MD, can protect your rights and interests at every stage during the child custody proceedings. They can also help you understand your legal options and initiate damage control in case things go south.
5. Not being a Good Parent
All your efforts to win child custody will go in vain if you fail to prove yourself as a good parent. You must concentrate on bonding with the child and winning their favor the right way, rather than belittling the other parent. You should be able to answer basic queries about your child, such as their favorite food, pastime, and subject at school. If you don’t know your child well enough and fail to show up at important events in their life, you might not be able to convince the child or the court that you are capable of good parenting.
