Getting custody of your children when divorcing can be a challenge. Fighting for the custody of your child is sensitive and serious.
Most courts prefer a shared or joint custody arrangement. When a spouse wants sole custody, I often tell them that they will have to show having sole custody will be in the best interest of the child.
As a divorce attorney, experienced child custody lawyer and mediator, I guide clients on how to prepare properly so they get the sole custody they want.
If getting sole custody is important to you, here are some of my “Do’s” and “Don’ts”:
THE DO'S
Try Hard to Work With the Other Parent
I know it’s not easy, but try!! Even if you don’t get along you must communicate. You don’t want to lose custody for not thinking or being stubborn. If you try to work things out in the best interest of your child, remain civil and cooperate, custody can be yours! Show the court you can do it! Set aside your differences and put your child’s welfare first!
Exercise Your Parental Rights
While your case is going on you will be working on visitation. It’s important to be cooperative. Work productively with your spouse in making arrangements. Be considerate of each other’s lifestyles, schedules and needs. This cooperation will foster good will and help your child see that you both are working together and still loving them. It’s really important you both spend as much time with your child/children as possible.
THE DON'T'S
Don’t Talk Negatively About Your Ex
Your children may ask difficult questions. It’s important to be honest, but you need to be positive and not bad-mouth your spouse. Keep your opinions and feelings to yourself. Don’t put the weight of speaking negatively about your spouse on your child. Speak to family, friends or a therapist, not to your child.
Don’t Misuse Alcohol or Drugs
Don't misuse alcohol or drugs especially when you are with your children. This behavior will provide ammunition for your spouse. Making a poor choice hurts your children. You cannot behave in any way that will put your children at risk. Your role as a parent is to make good choices that will protect your children.
Don’t Be Late for Visits
It disappoints your child! Show up, arrive on time, show your children they matter. Let them know they are a priority! Being irresponsible in this way can communicate to your spouse or the court that you are not a committed parent. Divorce is very hard on children. Try to demonstrate as often as possible that you are reliable and their protector.
Don’t Talk About Your Divorce With Your Children
You may be tempted to do so, but don’t. Let your children be children.
Do not burden them with an adult subject. Don’t demonstrate poor judgment. Don’t ask them questions about your spouse. Don’t share details with your child.
Going to court is not the only way to get custody of your child. You can also discuss custody using the process of divorce mediation. If a parent is not capable of having custody and understands this, custody can be arranged mutually by the spouses without going into a court setting.
As a psychologically-trained divorce attorney & mediator, I have helped many coupes negotiate custody arrangements that suit the needs of each spouse. Sometimes sole custody serves the children better if there is a spouse who is medically ill, mentally unstable, abusive, dealing with an addiction, abandonment, or incarceration.
If you need help with custody of any type, sole or joint, I can help you secure the type of custody that will be in the “best interest of your child.”
For over 35 years, my legal team and I have fought for the rights of children and their families in the divorce process.
Hiring a child custody pro is important because our experience in child custody battles will give you a better chance of winning in court.
For those of you who can work out your custody arrangements without going to court, my family friendly mediation process can save you lots of pain, money and time in the process.
Let us help you and your family. Call me now to schedule your free consultation.
All our FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are conducted virtually to reduce risk.
I look forward to helping you secure custody of your child.
Stay healthy & safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer Lois Brenner for all your child custody needs! She is available for a FREE consultation.
Call 212.734.1551.