Let’s face it, everyone loves their kids (even if they don’t have feelings for their ex anymore). Most of the time we find ourselves in a complex situation where we after a divorce, we don’t want to let go of our little ones but are unable to settle the issue outside of court. As a result, both parents go the court and the court sets up a child custody evaluation to determine the parent with which the children will leave until they come of age. So if you want your kids to remain with you, here’s what you should do and what you shouldn’t.

That’s What You Should Do In Child Custody Evaluation

Demonstrate A Willingness To Work With Your Child

If you want to have your kid with you, you have to work with and for him. Many parents lose their right of keeping their kids with them because they lack the work ethic that responsible parents should demonstrate. For example, you have to pick your kid from the school at 2 pm and you arrive at 3 pm on a daily basis. This shows your negligence and lack of willingness to work with your kid.

Exercise Your Parental Rights

If you’ve been granted visitation rights by the court, try and make the most out of it. Visit your kids, spend time with them, check up on their daily chores and show the authorities that you are there for your child. That’s what you should and have to do as a responsible parent.

Have Basic Knowledge Of Family Law

This certainly doesn’t mean you have to be an accomplished divorce attorney; having basic information about how the law works when it comes to child custody will come in handy. Instead of being embarrassed in the courtroom in front of your ex, try to grasp some knowledge of how things work in such circumstances.

Hire A Top-Notch Child Custody Lawyer

This is extremely important because if you don’t have a responsible and experienced attorney to plead your case, you might not be able to keep your child. A good lawyer takes into consideration all the facts such as monetary benefit for the kid, sentimental attachment, any event of physical abuse (by either parent) and etc. With an appropriate child custody attorney by your side, you’re good to go.

 

That’s What You Shouldn’t Do In Child Custody Evaluation

Don’t Be Harsh Or Rude Towards Your Ex

You might not like or love your ex anymore, but he/she is still the parent of your kid and your kid loves them. Make sure of not fighting or getting into a heated argument with your former partner in front of your child as it will have a negative impact on him/her. Furthermore, it will also have a derogatory effect on your character in the eyes of the law.

                                           A couple fighting for their children’s custody

Don’t Refuse What The Court Demands Of You

This point is of extreme importance as it portrays you in front of the judge and the jury. You should be willing to oblige to the court orders e.g. spending time with your kid, visiting them in specific hours and keeping your documentation ready in time. If you resist such orders or try to negate them, this will weaken your case big time and will deem you irresponsible and arrogant.

Don’t Lie To Your Attorney Or Your Evaluator

If you really want to be with your child, you should stay far away from telling lies and inserting negative stories about your ex. If you’re found out and proven wrong, you’ll lose any potential chance you had of having your kid with you. You should also be extremely honest with your attorney because he or she are working rigorously for you and deserve your honesty.

Don’t Arrive Late Or Miss Your Visits

Many of us, while having our kid’s best intentions in heart, tend to miss appointments with our evaluators or visit their kids on scheduled time. For example, you’re bound to visit your kid at 3pm on Saturday and you arrive at 5 pm, this will have a negative effect on your image in front of the evaluator. Try to be punctual and take time for your kids rather than trying to miss your visits or being late.