Missteps That Can Hurt Child Custody Cases

At the best of times, family life can be contentious. There is a reason the holidays are known for wonder, happiness, cheer – and dread, messy family drama, depression, etc.

If family matters can be this complicated at the best of times, imagine what it is like to try to piece together a functioning and respectful family unit when spouses are going through a divorce. Child custody issues, in particular, tend to be incendiary. This is not just because child custody issues and the thought of not having access to your kids is hard. Unfortunately, sometimes the worst of human nature wins out when spouses are fighting and the kids and their custody become a battleground for the parents.

Like other family law cases, child custody battles often become heated and complex. With so much nuance required, and so many emotions in play, it is easy to make mistakes. But lapses in judgment in this arena can lead to lasting and significant consequences.

If parents keep some common pitfalls I mind, they can guard against making some mistakes that far too often occur in heated custody battles. Consider the following situations that can be big missteps and how they may apply to you – and contact Cardwell, Steigerwald Young to speak with a skilled legal professional about the nuances in your own case.

Violating Temporary Orders

Temporary orders are common when parents are in a custody dispute. Remember – these orders are only temporary. They are not in place to make your life harder, they are a court order that works to ensure the children are looked after and properly cared for until a final custody order is determined.

Temporary orders establish where kids stay, the visitation schedules, and who will exercise decision making power. Disobeying these orders has real and significant consequences. Do not just “decide” that keeping the kids an extra day or taking them out of town outside of the agreed upon schedule will be fine. This kind of non-compliance and demonstrated lack of respect for the court and your estranged spouse can impact the final custody order and earn you fines, charges of contempt of court – even jail time.

Refusing To Cooperate

Related to the above, you should come to terms with the fact that in a majority of cases, you will end up sharing custody of your child with your ex. Refusing to cooperate will hurt you in the long run, as well as your children. You may not like your ex. But the fact remains that they need your time and attention. Acting in contempt of orders or making it impossible for your ex to work with you will make it difficult, if not impossible, to implement any level of flexibility in custody arrangements.  This will inevitably be a cost felt by both parents and children.

Moving Out

It is common for spouses to live apart when they decide to separate. However, be mindful of how moving out of the family home might affect your custody case. Whether true or not, leaving the home looks like you are leaving the kids, and your spouse may try to paint you in that light in order to negatively impact the final custody order.

Sometimes leaving the home is the only appropriate solution. An experienced family law attorney can help you analyze your own case and help you to make your best next steps.

Not Seeing the Kids

If you do pursue custody of your kids, you need to show that you spend time with them and parent them. Take advantage of the time you have to spend with your kids. Skipping scheduled visits or no-showing is detrimental to your case, and your kids. Keep a record of the time you spend with the kids and the parenting efforts that you do make.

Contact Cardwell, Steigerwald Young

Child custody cases have a significant impact not just on you and your children. It is vital to thoughtful approach a custody dispute with patience and a solid strategy in mind. An experienced San Francisco child custody and visitation attorney at Cardwell, Steigerwald Young can help. Contact our office today to begin speaking with our team.

Sources:

yahoo.com/news/nba-star-dwight-howards-custody-150038909.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGYQvJFNePvVy7TZuCyhKf2TD7b6v6NR8Un1Lct3CIVk8831b5Agn2TXPMpWARtEKJH1Xt340KsOXk6FfnJGeQEWrrnXUKHcjb1C1zVl1OBI__cuUH371hi00FsgR4nXDDXI0fQN1Y81DIF3beddByzbO_74iGRgFkkS_XmS-102

hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/tyrese-gibson-arrested-at-court-hearing-underpayment-child-support-1235996116/