Emotions can run high for any parent in the middle of an intense child custody battle. The pressure is even higher when the custody battle is accompanied by a divorce. There are many factors that are considered when deciding which parent is to be given custody of the children, and income and previous parental responsibility are not the only ones. Infractions with the law and other behavioral problems can negatively affect a parent’s chances of being awarded custody. The following are mistakes you should avoid making during your child’s custody battle:
- Failing to obey court orders
Many child custody battles occur along with the petition for divorce. As a result, the courts may issue temporary court orders until the dispute is able to go to trial. The interim child custody order can determine the parental right of each parent, the timesharing of the children between the parents, and other child custody matters. While temporary, these orders are legally enforceable and a parent who disobeys the temporary child custody orders may render a court violation. These violations can impact the judge’s final decision on whom should be awarded custody of the child.
- Venting Frustrations on Social Media
Very few things posted online are truly private. Once you post personal information on public social media platforms, they can be accessed by people who may copy or reproduce the information as evidence, such as your former spouse’s attorney. Using social media websites to talk poorly about your spouse, make threats, or otherwise use poor judgement can come back to haunt you at trial. Refrain from bringing your custody battle into the social media limelight and remember that text messages and everything else you post online can be used as evidence against you in court.
- Refusing to Cooperate or Communicate with the other Party
You may be in a child custody battle, but this doesn’t mean you are allowed to fully alienate the other party. This is especially true if the interim child custody order includes time-sharing between the parents, or other arrangements where the parties must be present and communicate. If you refuse communication, the courts may view you as delinquent and may attempt to further restrict you from having parental decision-making powers. Even if you do not like the child custody arrangements, it is best to wait for the issue to go to trial and consult with your lawyer.
Child custody battles are stressful endeavors. Don’t allow a potential mistake to prevent you from exercising your parental rights.
