If you’re in the middle of a child custody case, proving that you deserve to be the primary custodial parent is not just about the things you do for your child. It’s also about the things you don’t do while the case is pending.
An experienced attorney, such as the ones at Family Matters Law Group near Fayette county, can help you as you go through your case. In the meantime, here are a few examples of things you might think about doing but are definitely bad ideas.
Bad Idea #1: The Disappearing Act
YOU MIGHT THINK: I can take a family vacation when I want or pull my child out of school when I want. I’ve got temporary custody, so I can do as I please.
BAD IDEA: Nothing is more alarming to a parent than a child who has disappeared and they don’t know what has happened. You can’t change residence or relocate without some form of notice to the other side or court approval. It’s a good idea to keep the other parent informed as to the whereabouts of the child. Keep everyone in the loop when it comes to your movements if you are planning on leaving town, whether it’s your attorney or the other parent seeking custody.
Bad Idea #2: The Cut-Off
YOU MIGHT THINK: It’s OK if I cut off the other parent from having contact with my child. I have temporary custody, and I make the decisions as to who my child gets to see.
BAD IDEA: The court does not look favorably on parents who do this. If you deny access to the other parent or create unnecessary hassles for visitations, you can easily lose your court case. The judge will want to see a parent who is supportive of all the family relationships. Working with your ex to ensure that your child has access to both parents is the right thing to do, and can help in creating a positive look for the judge.
Bad Idea #3: The Rose-Colored Glasses
YOU MIGHT THINK: I’m a pretty good judge of character, and my new partner will make an excellent husband or wife. If they’re good enough for me, they’re good enough for the court. After all, doesn’t the court want to see a two-adult household?
BAD IDEA (perhaps): Before you go diving into a new relationship, ask yourself what do you really know about the person? They might seem great to you, but there may be items in their medical, family, or criminal history that will make the judge question their ability as a parent, as well as your judgment. It’s not about how many adults are in the house; it’s about the stability, cleanliness, and safety of the environment.
If your newfound partner also has children, the judge will want to know your plan for making sure your child gets individual attention. It doesn’t look good if your child is getting lost in the shuffle.
Bad Idea #4: The Big Lie
YOU MIGHT THINK: I’ll make something up to make my ex look bad.
BAD IDEA: Lying to the court is never a good idea. Of course, you want to make yourself look good, but you shouldn’t lie about the other parent to make that happen. The judge asks lots of questions, so there’s a really good chance you’ll get caught in a lie. If that’s the case, you’ll be facing perjury charges, the court won’t believe anything else you say, and it’s a good bet, you’ll lose your custody case.
Bad Idea #5: The Do-It-Yourself Custody Case
Let’s face it: custody cases can get complicated quickly, and as we’ve seen, there are definitely mistakes you could make along the way. Hiring an attorney is the best way to make sure your voice is heard in court, and any problems or mistakes along the way get solved in a way that doesn’t ruin your case.
If you’re in the metro Atlanta area, you should contact Family Matters Law Group. They have the experience to help you navigate through rough waters. Your attorney is your first line of defense against bad ideas. Contact us for more information.
