Couples who decide to file a divorce go through difficult times as they leave the union they built. However, this can even become harder when children are involved. Every parent will want to fight custody and will not leave a stone unturned to win it. However, in today’s family court system, judges don’t just focus on the ability of one spouse to prove that the other is unfit. Instead, they also evaluate whether a parent can prove themselves a positive role model for their children and promote their relationship with the other parent should you win the case. Thus, if you are a parent who is fighting for custody, you should avoid some negative behaviors. An experienced tacoma family law lawyer will also emphasize this during consultations. The following are things you should not do when fighting for child custody:
Behaving Disrespectfully Toward Your Ex
Callin your ex-spouse some unpleasant names can hurt your custody case. The court will determine whether the best interest of the child will be served when placed in your custody. Showing a lack of maturity and inability to respect your ex may result in the court questioning your ability to parent your child maturely and effectively.
Introducing Your Child to a New Partner
Although it can be tempting to bring someone new into the life of your child while your custody case is ongoing, it can confuse them and antagonize your ex. While it can positively help you to move to another relationship, you should keep dating life out of your child’s presence to help reduce any unnecessary drama. Also, this will demonstrate your intention to put the needs of your child ahead of yours. Plus, your new relationship can create jealousy with your ex, causing the case to become more contested.
Not Following a Temporary Custody Schedule
If the court has issued a temporary custody schedule, you should by abide this and never interfere with the court-ordered time your ex has with your child. Should you need to do so, you must prove the refusal was justified and based on a need to protect your child from immediate danger. If you can’t prove this, you may be deemed by the court uncooperative and unwilling to support the relationship of the child with the other parent. When a court hears a child custody case, it does not favor this type of behavior.
