First things first, a child custody hearing should not turn into a war of words between two seething parents determined to rip away something meaningful from the other. Child custody hearings, as the term suggests, should be about the child or children and should not be about the parents needs. They are there to decide what is best for the child. Of course it is understandable that both parents believe that they are the best option with regards to the needs of their children but each must realize that when considering such an emotive issue it is very easy to have a clouded judgment.
There are a number of things that one can do to prepare for such hearings, to give you the best possible chance of winning custody of your child and ultimately enable the judge to make the correct decision, whatever that may be.
Be involved in your child’s life
Firstly, make sure that you are involved in your child’s life as much as possible. Even if they are living with their other parent it is imperative that you have contact in as many ways as possible. That can take the form of not only face to face meetings but also phone calls, e-mails, social media networks and even, as old fashioned as it may sound, letters. Attend school events, meet teachers, take an interest in their schooling and extracurricular activities. It is important to become as involved as possible because if you are not part of their life in a big way prior to the hearing it will be very hard to gain custody.
It is also important to make sure that when your child is with you for a prolonged period of time, they are always in a safe environment and not subjected to the company of harmful or dangerous people. Be very careful in introducing your child to your new partner if they are of previous bad character or have a criminal record. The judge will not look favorably on you putting your child in a situation such as this.
Don’t use the kids as pawns
Thirdly, do not involve the children. Do not think that you can gain an advantage over your ex by involving the children and using them as a weapon. Not only will your children be annoyed with you at some point later in their lives but the judge will not see it as the caring act of a doting parent.
Finally and most importantly, listen to your attorney. They are experienced professionals trained in these exact situations. Friends or family may think they know best but in reality this is very rarely the case. There are a number of law firms that have a specialist child custody attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Expert Attorney – advice and information is easily accessible so you don’t have to feel alone during these testing times.
Sigmon and Sigmon, P.C, experienced child custody attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
