Custody battles are stressful and emotionally charged for parents and children alike. However, your determination to win child custody won’t pay off unless you present yourself to the courts in the best light. You have to prove that having custody of your child is in his or her best interests. How can you do that?
Necessary Steps to Winning Child Custody
Spend as Much Time With Your Child as Possible
If you’ve been granted visitation rights with your kids, you need to exercise your rights and spend quality time with them. That includes doing everyday activities, even homework, and chores in addition to fun things.
Doing so will give the court a realistic idea of what day-to-day life will be like for your child. It also shows that you’re interested in your child’s intellectual and physical development and that you’re willing to perform the not-so-glamorous aspects of parenting.
Respect Your Ex
You need to be willing to work with your ex and demonstrate that you can collaborate with the child’s other parent. Most likely, they will always be a part of your child’s life even if you are no longer married or living together.
When courts witness parents being unwilling to work together for their child’s wellbeing, they are more likely to deny custody.
Document Concerning Behavior
If you notice anything that leads you to believe that your child is unsafe with the other parent, make sure you carefully document these interactions. That might include proof of domestic abuse or anything that would imply the other parent is somehow endangering the child’s wellbeing.
Request an In-Home Custody Evaluation
An in-home custody evaluation can be extremely helpful in winning a custody battle. It will be indispensable if your ex is trying to present a negative picture of your home life. Having a neutral party evaluate your living situation and parenting skills will ensure that the court chooses the best living scenario for your child.
Don’t Get Caught Off-Guard
Whether or not you have any preconceived ideas about how child custody laws work, it would be a good idea to read up on and fully understand the laws surrounding child custody in your state. Generally, both parents have an equal right to the child’s custody at the time of separation. Not assuming that the court will automatically give you custody will help you be better prepared for the process and take steps to win custody.
Hire a Lawyer
Don’t leave the future of your child up to chance. Hiring a lawyer who understands child custody laws and has experience working on these cases will save you from a lot of stress and improve your chances of winning.
The experts at Reddy & Feldhake, P.C. will help you get on the right track to winning child custody. They will familiarize you with the process involved in a child custody case in Oklahoma and make sure you’re on the right path to winning. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today!