How to Increase Your Chances Of Getting Custody Of Your Child
Even under the best possible circumstances, divorce is stressful. For one reason or another you and/or your spouse have decided that it will be best if you go your separate ways, and a lot of decisions must be made regarding how you will divide assets, belongings, and responsibilities. Things get even more complicated if you have children together, especially if you and your spouse disagree about custody arrangements. If you are preparing for a divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks in which you believe custody will be contested, having the representation of a skilled divorce attorney in Osage Beach MO can make a world of difference.
A Note On Child Custody
When determining custody, the court will try to identify the best interests of the child and how those best interests can be met. When you're in the middle of a custody battle, it's important to remain calm, balanced, and rational as you demonstrate to the Court why you are the parent best equipped to meet your child's needs. Getting angry or irrational can hurt your case.
4 Tips To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Custody
Until the judge enters a final decree, it may be difficult to predict how custody will be awarded. However, there are several things you can do to help facilitate a positive outcome. Here are a few things I've learned in my years as a divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks.
1. Be Completely Involved In Your Child's Life
Ideally, all parents would be closely involved in their children's lives. Children thrive when they feel completely supported by their parents, and the courts recognize this. One way to demonstrate to the Court that you play an important and active role in your children's lives is to attend their baseball games and dance recitals often.
2. Be Supportive Your Child's Relationship With Your Spouse
To the parent who is fighting for custody, it may seem counter-intuitive to support your children's relationship with their other parent. However, close attention is placed on the importance of a child's relationship with both parents. The parent who wants their children to have a good relationship with both parents may be seen as more supportive of the children's well-being and, therefore, possibly more deserving of custody.
3. Keep A Journal Of Each Day's Events
It's important to keep detailed records when navigating any legal situation, and divorce is no exception. We recommend keeping a journal that logs any pertinent information regarding your children and the custody battle, such as:
A Note On Child Custody
When determining custody, the court will try to identify the best interests of the child and how those best interests can be met. When you're in the middle of a custody battle, it's important to remain calm, balanced, and rational as you demonstrate to the Court why you are the parent best equipped to meet your child's needs. Getting angry or irrational can hurt your case.
4 Tips To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Custody
Until the judge enters a final decree, it may be difficult to predict how custody will be awarded. However, there are several things you can do to help facilitate a positive outcome. Here are a few things I've learned in my years as a divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks.
1. Be Completely Involved In Your Child's Life
Ideally, all parents would be closely involved in their children's lives. Children thrive when they feel completely supported by their parents, and the courts recognize this. One way to demonstrate to the Court that you play an important and active role in your children's lives is to attend their baseball games and dance recitals often.
To the parent who is fighting for custody, it may seem counter-intuitive to support your children's relationship with their other parent. However, close attention is placed on the importance of a child's relationship with both parents. The parent who wants their children to have a good relationship with both parents may be seen as more supportive of the children's well-being and, therefore, possibly more deserving of custody.
3. Keep A Journal Of Each Day's Events
It's important to keep detailed records when navigating any legal situation, and divorce is no exception. We recommend keeping a journal that logs any pertinent information regarding your children and the custody battle, such as:
- Your spouse is late picking your child up from school
- Your spouse makes a comment that could be viewed as neglectful, abusive, or inappropriate
- What activities/appointments your child had that day and who attended them
- Observations regarding your child's physical and mental health
It's important to keep these journal entries strictly observational and factual, as emotional dialogues will not help your case. Processing your emotions is important, but it's best to save these remarks for a separate, private journal.
4. Find Witnesses To Back Up Your Story
Testimony by a third-party eye witness can be a valuable form of evidence. Family members can serve as these witnesses, but testimony by non-relatives may be weighed more heavily as they may seem less biased. If you are preparing for a custody battle, it may be a good idea to reach out to some coworkers or close friends who may be able to testify on your behalf.
Your Divorce Attorney Will Be A Huge Asset
Navigating a highly-contested divorce can be challenging, overwhelming, and stressful. If you have more questions about your custody battle, remember that our family attorney in Camden County MO will be here to take the burden off of your shoulders.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.
Phone: (573) 552-0317
O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.
Phone: (573) 552-0317
O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3
Osage Beach, MO 65065
(Located on the McDonald's Side of the Building)
(Located on the McDonald's Side of the Building)
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