Child custody disputes are often emotionally charged events that can have a tremendous impact on you and your relationship with your child. But regardless of how conflictual your child custody dispute is, you have to make the arguments that are necessary to support your child’s best interests. After all, that’s what the court is going to take into account when it renders its decision on your custody arrangement.
How do you build arguments pertaining to your child’s best interests?
There are a number of things that you can do right now to build your child custody case. Here are some of them:
- Track the time that you spend with your child to show that it’s consistent and meaningful.
- Document that parenting duties that you fulfill.
- Keep records of child-related expenses that you pay for.
- Have a strong child care plan in place.
- Demonstrate the ability and willingness to work with your child’s other parent.
- Gather evidence showing that contact with the other parent is detrimental to your child, if that is indeed the case.
- Show how you can support your child’s educational and special needs.
- Gather witnesses who can testify to your bond with your child and your parenting abilities.
- Be prepared to demonstrate your financial stability.
- Show that you have strong physical and mental health.
- Illustrate how your home is safe and appropriate for your child.
- Be respectful and professional when dealing with your child’s other parent and the court.
Some of these factors are broad in scope, meaning that you’ll need to drill down into the details to ensure that you’re putting forth the strongest case possible. If you think that you could benefit from some assistance in building the compelling legal strategy that you need, then you may want to discuss the circumstances of your case with a legal professional you trust so that you can protect your child and your relationship with him or her.