Are You Thinking of Representing Yourself in Your Child Custody Battle? 3 Things to Consider
It goes without saying that child custody battles are some of the most emotionally and financially draining situations you can ever find yourself in the middle of.
After all, if you and your ex had ended on great terms then chances are you wouldn't be facing a custody battle to begin with, right? So now you're trying to protect yourself and your children from even more problems.
Only now you have to think about paying a lawyer just to make sure that your ex fights fair and that your custody arrangements suit everyone involved.
If you can't afford a lawyer or if you are just thinking about representing yourself in your child custody battle, here are three things to consider before you head off to court.
First, you need to know what the courts will most likely look for when it comes to the custody battle and the welfare of your child.
Most courts not only look at the general physical, mental, and emotional well being of the child, but they also look at the most extreme circumstances, like physical abuse, abandonment, and neglect.
What does this mean for you? If your ex is trying to gather evidence against you, you need to do everything you can to make sure that your home environment can never be called a neglectful situation.
This means proving you always have a baby sitter or day care, and that your child is never left home alone when he or she is with you.
Keep in mind that when you represent yourself in court for child custody, even the most mundane situation can be used against you if you leave yourself open to it.
Second, when you are considering representing yourself in your child custody case, keep your personal life in check.
Now is not the time to start dating or going out after work.
Instead, you need to show yourself as the model parent.
Don't bring strangers around your children.
Make sure that you present a structured, stable home life to the courts so that they will want to give you custody of your child.
Third, make sure you are stable financially.
It doesn't matter to the courts if your ex spouse makes more money, but when it comes to representing yourself in court for your child custody battle, you still want to show financial and career stability.
Showing the courts that you are able to provide for your child will go along way towards winning a favorable custody arrangement.
After all, if you and your ex had ended on great terms then chances are you wouldn't be facing a custody battle to begin with, right? So now you're trying to protect yourself and your children from even more problems.
Only now you have to think about paying a lawyer just to make sure that your ex fights fair and that your custody arrangements suit everyone involved.
If you can't afford a lawyer or if you are just thinking about representing yourself in your child custody battle, here are three things to consider before you head off to court.
First, you need to know what the courts will most likely look for when it comes to the custody battle and the welfare of your child.
Most courts not only look at the general physical, mental, and emotional well being of the child, but they also look at the most extreme circumstances, like physical abuse, abandonment, and neglect.
What does this mean for you? If your ex is trying to gather evidence against you, you need to do everything you can to make sure that your home environment can never be called a neglectful situation.
This means proving you always have a baby sitter or day care, and that your child is never left home alone when he or she is with you.
Keep in mind that when you represent yourself in court for child custody, even the most mundane situation can be used against you if you leave yourself open to it.
Second, when you are considering representing yourself in your child custody case, keep your personal life in check.
Now is not the time to start dating or going out after work.
Instead, you need to show yourself as the model parent.
Don't bring strangers around your children.
Make sure that you present a structured, stable home life to the courts so that they will want to give you custody of your child.
Third, make sure you are stable financially.
It doesn't matter to the courts if your ex spouse makes more money, but when it comes to representing yourself in court for your child custody battle, you still want to show financial and career stability.
Showing the courts that you are able to provide for your child will go along way towards winning a favorable custody arrangement.
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