The top five mistakes parents make in child custody cases, according to a family lawyer
Over 80% of child custody cases grant primary care to one parent.
Child custody can be one of the hardest things parents face.
Over 80% of child custody cases grant primary care to one parent, which is usually the one who earns the least.
Presently, 15% percent of challenged custody cases result in shared care with most custody cases eventuating in the children spending at least two-thirds of nights with their mothers.
According to solicitor and founder of No Lawyers Tracey McMillan, “Whilst shared parenting is a common occurrence in this day and age, sorting out arrangements for your children and parental conflict take a huge toll on both parents and kids alike.
“Many parents are not child-focused and let stress and emotions guide their behaviour and actions – which can have a disastrous effect on the outcome of your case.”
No Lawyers is a new digital family law platform, created to help people save thousands in legal fees when going through a separation and custody battle.
The platform assists separated parents negotiate parenting agreements without the burden of excessive legal fees.
According to Tracey, “It is vital to be prepared with the likely obstacles you will face, not only legally, but emotionally and financially.”
For that reason Tracey has shared her list of the top five mistakes parents make in child custody cases.
A digital law platform is helping people save thousands in legal fees when going through a separation and custody battle.
1. Talking badly about the other parent to the child
The most common mistake we see parents make in many child custody cases is when they speak badly of each other to or in front of the child which can damage the child’s emotional wellbeing.
Denigrating the other parent will also cause the Court to look unfavourably upon you as judges are acutely aware of the impact it has on children.
2. Not communicating effectively with the other parent
Failure to communicate with the other parent can be extremely detrimental to many aspects of the child’s life, including but not limited to medical care, education and social development.
Failure to communicate will translate to the Court that you are not willing to promote the relationship between the child and the other parent, which is an essential part of parental bonding and social development.
Speaking badly of each other to or in front of the child can damage their emotional wellbeing.
3. Preventing access to the child (With Exceptions)
Unless the child is at risk of harm, you shouldn’t withhold the child from contact with the other parent. Doing so can have serious ramifications in Court, such as losing primary care.
4. Coaching the child
Let your child speak for themselves; it will be obvious to a family report writer when a child is lying or has been coached by a parent on what to say.
Manipulation by one parent will present unfavourably in the report – a report which is given quite a lot of weight In Court proceedings.
5. Putting your own interests ahead of the child’s
Separation is hard. Parties can easily become consumed by emotions and focus on their own difficulties rather than what is best for their child.
When making a decision that concerns the child, it is important to be honest with yourself and reflect upon whether that decision is truly in the child’s best interests.
For more information, visit No Lawyers
