In any divorce involving children, child custody arrangements are a primary focal point. (Read more on how to help your children through divorce) If you and your divorcing spouse are unable to hammer out child custody arrangements that you can both agree to, the court will do so on your behalf. If you believe that your children's best interests are better served by living primarily with you and having a visitation schedule with your soon-to-be-ex, there are several things you should avoid doing during the upcoming divorce process (in support of that goal).
Do Not Bad Mouth Your Ex
If you are going through a divorce, everyone's emotions are most likely running high. This is only natural, but venting your frustrations regarding your divorcing spouse is not likely to do you or your child-custody goals any favors. First of all, your children love both of you, and it is painful for them to hear you besmirch their other parent. Second of all, the court bases its child custody decisions solely on the children's best interests, and your negative comments could be viewed as an indication that your own choices are based on something else entirely. (Read more about divorce and your children in this article: Helping Your Children Through Your Divorce)
Do Not Hide Anything from Your Attorney
To help you obtain the child custody arrangements that are best for you and your children, you need to be completely honest with your attorney, who needs to know the details to build your strongest case for obtaining primary custody. If you have done something that you believe may decrease your chances, always err on the side of caution and discuss it with your family law attorney.
Do Not Begin (or Advertise) a New Romantic Relationship
The divorce process is no time to begin a new romantic relationship. If it happens, do not advertise the fact to your children or the world at large. Being in a new relationship so quickly can amount to bad optics when you are attempting to demonstrate to the court precisely how focused you are on your children and their best interests after a divorce.
Do Not Go into Court Unprepared
Going to court for your divorce is a serious step that requires serious attention to details. Consider all of the following:
- You should be well dressed, and your hair should be well-kempt. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have your life together and are up to the task of having primary custody of your children.
- You should arrive in plenty of time to help ensure that you are not scrambling in the courtroom.
- You should be well-prepared to answer any questions that come your way. Your dedicated family law attorney will help ensure that you are.
You are a responsible adult who is better prepared to be your children's primary custodial parent. Your court appearance provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate this fact succinctly.
An Experienced Killeen Family Law Attorney Can Help
Attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, has the skill, dedication, and compassion to help you obtain child custody arrangements that work for you and your children. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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