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Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Actions That Can Actually Hurt (or Help) Your Custody Case

Custody cases are a tricky, tight-rope balancing act. Want to know how you can hurt your custody case in Atlanta? At Buckhead Family Law, we see it every day, and it’s actually easier to self-sabotage than you think. In today’s world of “going live” social media and the constant documentation of every step we take, there are a slew of ways you can hurt your own cause and jeopardize your relationship and time with your child(ren).

Refusing to Cooperate

Even though it can be difficult to cooperate with your ex, one of the biggest mistakes that you can make is fighting with your ex about your children. Though it can prove difficult, you have to take the high road and learn how to cooperate and find common ground when it comes to your children. You can fight about everything else (as long as it isn’t in front of your kids), but you need to try to put differences aside when it comes to your kiddos.

Try to keep an open and constructive dialogue about your custody agreement. Want to know how you can help your custody case in Atlanta? Get a lawyer who can help you facilitate conversations that are both positive and productive.

Posting Your Every Move on Social Media

We understand – parents have lives too! And while no one is going to shame you or take away your kids for going out to have a few drinks with your friends, you shouldn’t splash your pub crawl memories on social media. If your ex-partner takes screenshots of what you are doing and shares them with the judge, it can negatively impact your custody litigation. A casual glass of wine with friends is harmless; however, if your ex can show a pattern of repeated, irresponsible behavior – especially with videos or photos – you may be doing irreparable harm to your case.  Moral of the story, don’t put anything on social media that you don’t want your judge to read!

Trying to Be Too Perfect

Every parent has flaws. It’s only natural. So, if you try to come across as too perfect or too polished, people may not trust you or what you say. During a custody hearing, a judge will want to take a closer look at who you are if you seem to have something to hide. It’s important to to be natural, open, and honest when you talk about yourself and your love for your child(ren).

If you have failings, shortcomings, or a past – like an anger management issue or a lack of financial resources, be open and discuss them calmly. Tell the judge and your lawyer what you are doing (new job, therapy, etc.) to fix those shortcomings and be a better parent for your child(ren). No one is perfect and the legal system acknowledges this – you just need to prove that you are trying to be the most loving, responsible parent possible.

Not Taking Notes

Whenever you have a discussion regarding your custody litigation or negotiations, take notes. This will help you to stay present, informed, and abreast of the current situation at hand. Often, there is so much going on during a court hearing or when you are speaking with a lawyer, and what makes sense now may not make sense once you get leave to go home. It’s a great practice to take detailed notes that you can reference whenever you have questions. While your lawyer will be able to answer your questions, they won’t always be available when you need to make a split-second decision regarding custody.

When thinking about how you can hurt your joint custody case in Atlanta and determining whether or not what you are going to do may jeopardize your good standing in the judge’s eyes,  it’s usually best to pivot and find another avenue.

How Can You Help Your Custody Case in Atlanta?

If you want to help your custody case in Atlanta and ensure that you get to remain an active part of your child’s life, you should always seek legal counsel regarding child custody issues. An attorney will help you make good choices when it comes to your legal status. You should also always try to be there for your child and think about how your actions will impact their relationships, even regarding your ex-spouse. Though difficult, it’s critical to refrain from talking poorly about your ex, be there when you say you will be, and always do more than you should. When it comes to your custody case, you want to be a role model, giver, and do-gooder for the sake of your child.

If you need to reevaluate or modify your child custody agreement in Atlanta or you are just embarking upon your divorce and child custody journey, remember, you are not alone! This can be a confusing time in your life, but professional help is available. The Atlanta child custody lawyers at Buckhead Family Law are here to assist you with your case and help this be a positive turning point for your family. Schedule a consultation by calling at 404-390-0000.

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