Custody battles are among some of the most contentious and devastating cases. The very nature of such disputes is often so emotional that it is common for parents to make mistakes. To avoid some of these missteps, you should familiarize yourself with them, so you know what to look out for.
How to Avoid the Most Common Missteps
Child-related matters hit close to home and parents may sometimes act on impulse and feeling. However, you should never make any important decisions that are not based on sound legal advice. If you allow your emotions to sit in the driver’s seat, you may find yourself in a position where you are not pleased with the results.
Here are the top 5 child custody mistakes you should avoid:
- Oversharing on social media: Generally, if you are going through a divorce, you should avoid social media altogether. If you continue to use it though, do not use it as a space to vent about your child custody dispute. The information you share online may end up haunting you in court and hurting your case.
- Representing yourself in court: We all like to try to cut back on costs where we can, but legal representation is one area where you should not cut corners. Family law can be complicated and trying to navigate it on your own can result in a lot of major errors. A lot is at stake, so hire an attorney to avoid any unnecessary heartache and stress.
- Not complying with temporary court orders: Divorce cases can take a while, so it is not uncommon for temporary orders to be put in place in the meantime. If there is a temporary child custody order, you must obey it. It does not necessarily mean it will be permanent, but non-compliance will really turn your case into an uphill battle.
- Inadequate record keeping: All emails, texts, and other correspondence with your former spouse should be kept. Keeping thorough records is an essential part of any dispute, even in a child custody case.
- Trying to influence your children: Trying to turn your children against their other parent is referred to as parental alienation. If you engage in this type of behavior, it can potentially hurt you in court.
Schedule a Consultation with a Compassionate Family Law Attorney Today!
Child custody cases are rarely easy for parents to navigate and it can be exceptionally more difficult without the guidance of a knowledgeable legal professional. At Kay Polk, Attorney at Law, our child custody attorney is committed to providing compassionate support and skilled advice.
Reach out to our law office today at (713) 234-6260 to set up a consultation and discuss your case.
