Children are a gift from God, and as parents, we want what is best for them. All of us want our young ones to live in a happy, healthy family, preferably one where both biological parents are present. However, unprecedented situations may arise when parents find it hard to co-exist, leading to divorce. One partner may feel that the marriage is not working, or it sometimes is a mutual agreement.
So, what happens then?
One of the first things couples talk about while seeking marriage dissolution is child custody. Unfortunately, one spouse might want to punish the other by taking full custody of the children. This is not only unfair to the other parent but is also an infringement of the children’s rights.
With the help of attorneys from divorce law firm Westport, CT, we came up with a list of tips for parents seeking to win custody of your children during an ugly divorce.
- Hire a reputable lawyer
The importance of hiring a reputable lawyer cannot be over-emphasized. Lawyers know the ins and outs of the law and their way around court systems. Due to their vast experience handling such cases, they are in a better position to advise you on the best approach to ensure you do not compromise your chances of winning custody of your children. Additionally, they can anticipate unforeseen challenges that may drastically change the course of the case, and work around them to ensure the court rules in your favor.
- Exercise parental rights
How you carry your responsibilities as a parent determines the direction your case takes. Never miss visitation. Play with your children and take them out for a movie or dinner. However, do not forget that parenting is not all glitz and glamor. Discipline your children when they are in the wrong, give them chores, and make them do their homework. It is such deeds that showcase your parenting prowess and confirm that you are ready to be a well-rounded parent, not just the fun one.
- Avoid drug abuse
Drug abuse is detrimental to your professional and social life. It is even worse when it is one of the reasons for the dissolution of a marriage.
It is advisable to stay away from drugs, especially while in the company of your children. Doing drugs hurts your case in more ways than one. As an addict, the best course of action is to get treatment before seeking custody of the children, which might mean going for rehabilitation, among other things.
- Do not lie
Some parents are so desperate to win custody of their children that they are willing to go to unimaginable lengths to lie and exaggerate previous incidents. Others will over-stretch their ex’s shortcomings in a bid to get the court to rule in their favor. Unfortunately, these tactics are only short-term. Once documented, these lies can be used against you in a court of law, compromising the case.
Conclusion
Child custody cases during a divorce can be a headache. However, with the above tips, you significantly increase your chances of winning the case, gaining custody of your children.