If you’re facing a custody case you may be worried about the outcome and looking for every little thing you can do to improve your chances of a positive outcome. Follow these tips to put your best foot forward.
- Follow your temporary order to a T. Follow what the judge has ordered exactly. Do not deviate from it by ten minutes if you can avoid it. You may not be happy about the order, but compliance shows the court you are trustworthy.
- Support the other parent. It may seem counterintuitive, but a parent who is willing and able to support the child’s relationship with the other parent is considered to be highly qualified to be the custodial parent.
- Create a custody log. Make a journal, spreadsheet or other time log showing where your child was each day and which parent he or she was with. Include transfer times. Write down activities you did with your child during your time. This log will show the court how much time you had and how you maximized it and benefitted your child.
- Keep your new boyfriend or girlfriend out of the picture. You most certainly have a right to have a life, however getting someone new involved with your children just makes things more complicated, gives your ex something to complain about, and takes your focus away from your kids when you are with them. Wait until your case is over to develop a relationship between your new significant other and your kids if possible.
- Become textbook safety-conscious. Do absolutely everything by the book: seatbelts, childproofing, following medical advice, and make sure you maintain a squeaky clean image for yourself as well, including your driving record, substance use, and the people you spend time with. You want to look like an exemplary citizen.
DeTorres & DeGeorge is who to call about your custody case. We are in the Tewksbury and Warren Township areas of New Jersey and ready to take your case.