Exploring Civil Case Proceedings

Simple Ways To Strengthen Your Custody Case

17 January 2018 by Becky Freeman

If you're hoping to get more time with your kids while working out a new custody agreement, there are some simple things you can do to make your case strong. You don't need to have a ton of ammunition against another parent -- instead, you just need to make sure you are doing what you can to show you are capable, available, and caring parent for your children.

Here are some simple things every parent can do to make winning more time a reality. 

1. Stay close.

Closeness matters when it comes to custody. If you move out of the state or even out of the same town as where your children live and go to school, you may not get as favorable an agreement. If possible, try to stay in the same school district to show you can be there to drop off or pick up kids from school, to show that they can maintain stable friendships, and to show that you are present enough to provide a place to sleep and eat during visits that would not upset their ability to form meaningful social connections.

If you have a number of days where children stay with you overnight, you can even reduce how much child support you owe if you provide regular split care with your ex-spouse for your children. 

2. Be involved.

Involvement is another major factor for the courts when determining what would be in the best interest for a child. For example, if your child has a medical condition, you should know the names of the doctors and the types of medications or treatments your child needs. Also take time to:

• know the names of your child's teacher at school and how well they are doing in class.
• attend games, concerts, and sporting events.
• provide one on one time with your child doing activities like going to the park or visiting the museum.
• stay on top of what your child's interests are. 

Being involved will maintain a solid relationship between you and your child, and it shows how you are able to handle to time demands of parenting.

3. Stay employed.

If you don't have employment, get a job. It doesn't have to be a prestigious position, but any job is better than none. Having and keeping a stable job shows your ability to provide for a family, but it also shows you are capable of the responsibility. An unemployed parent can be made to look bad in a custody case by the opposing side, especially if the case is not amicable. 

For more tips, contact a child custody attorney.

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