What to Know about Child Custody after a Divorce
If you are going through a divorce, one of the most important topics that will be raised is child custody. Children are especially vulnerable during their parent's divorce, and they need to be given extra care to make sure they are not overlooked during this difficult time. Custody disputes are always decided with the best interests of the child in mind. Contact your family law attorneys in Greensboro, NC, to find out more about how the court decides child custody cases and learn how you can prepare for your case.
Child custody can sometimes be arranged privately by the two parents, but a judge is often needed to decide who will receive custody of the child. The judge will make his decision based on what will be best for the child, both physically and emotionally. Because changing routines can be disruptive for a child, one parent will receive more time with the child, while the other will typically be allowed custody on some weekends and holidays. Some factors that will play into the judge's decision include:
Even very young children will understand that something is wrong and will be understandably confused or upset during a divorce. Tell your children as much as you can without lashing out at the other parent or blaming him or her. Although you may feel angry, don't take it out on your children or expect them to side with one parent over the other.
Whether or not you end up with custody of your child, make the most of your time together. Your child may feel guilty about the divorce or upset at the changes in his life. Spending time together will help reassure him or her that he or she is still important and help build up his or her self-esteem. Dropping your child off with friends or relatives during your visitation weekend, on the other hand, may convince a judge that you don't have your child's best interests at heart.
In child custody cases, it is very important that you don't show any reason that you could be considered unfit as a parent. A house full of empty beer cans, for example, can be viewed as an unfit environment for a child, even if he or she wasn't present while you were drinking. Make sure to show up on time whenever you pick up or drop off your child, and always make sure he or she is wearing his seatbelt.
Although you have probably carefully screened your child's tutors and babysitters, during a divorce it's even more important to make sure your child is always around responsible adults. Get to know your child's doctors, teachers, and coaches, and make an effort to stay involved in his school life.
If you feel like the other parent may not be fit to care for your child emotionally or physically, make sure to gather proof for a judge instead of making emotional appeals. Take note of how much time your child spends with his or her other parent and what they do together. Is the other parent constantly late or does he send a stranger to pick up your child? The more facts you gather, the better your family law attorneys in Greensboro, NC, will be able to argue your case to the judge to award you custody of your child.
Deciding Child Custody
Child custody can sometimes be arranged privately by the two parents, but a judge is often needed to decide who will receive custody of the child. The judge will make his decision based on what will be best for the child, both physically and emotionally. Because changing routines can be disruptive for a child, one parent will receive more time with the child, while the other will typically be allowed custody on some weekends and holidays. Some factors that will play into the judge's decision include:
- The age and health of the child
- The amount of time each parent has previously spent with the child
- The ability of each parent to care for the child
What to Tell (and Not to Tell) Your Child
Even very young children will understand that something is wrong and will be understandably confused or upset during a divorce. Tell your children as much as you can without lashing out at the other parent or blaming him or her. Although you may feel angry, don't take it out on your children or expect them to side with one parent over the other.
Make the Most of Your Time
Whether or not you end up with custody of your child, make the most of your time together. Your child may feel guilty about the divorce or upset at the changes in his life. Spending time together will help reassure him or her that he or she is still important and help build up his or her self-esteem. Dropping your child off with friends or relatives during your visitation weekend, on the other hand, may convince a judge that you don't have your child's best interests at heart.
Act Responsibly
In child custody cases, it is very important that you don't show any reason that you could be considered unfit as a parent. A house full of empty beer cans, for example, can be viewed as an unfit environment for a child, even if he or she wasn't present while you were drinking. Make sure to show up on time whenever you pick up or drop off your child, and always make sure he or she is wearing his seatbelt.
Know Your Child's Caretakers
Although you have probably carefully screened your child's tutors and babysitters, during a divorce it's even more important to make sure your child is always around responsible adults. Get to know your child's doctors, teachers, and coaches, and make an effort to stay involved in his school life.
Keep Records
If you feel like the other parent may not be fit to care for your child emotionally or physically, make sure to gather proof for a judge instead of making emotional appeals. Take note of how much time your child spends with his or her other parent and what they do together. Is the other parent constantly late or does he send a stranger to pick up your child? The more facts you gather, the better your family law attorneys in Greensboro, NC, will be able to argue your case to the judge to award you custody of your child.
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