3 Custody Battle Mistakes That Can Jeopardise Your Case

father holding his baby

A custody battle is a legal dispute between two people who are seeking to gain legal and/or physical custody of a child. Custody battles can be extremely emotionally charged and contentious affairs, often lasting for months or even years. And with how brutal it can be at times, it’s important that you avoid making mistakes that can end up harming your chances of winning the case.

1. Refusing to Let Your Child Spend Time with the Other Parent

Custody battles are never easy, but there are certain mistakes you can avoid that will make the process simpler and less stressful. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to refuse to let your child spend time with the other parent.

There are many reasons why parents might refuse to let their child see the other parent. Maybe they’re angry with the other parent for something that happened during the divorce. Maybe they’re worried that the other parent will say or do something to upset the child.

Whatever the reason, refusing to let your child see the other parent is a mistake. It’s important to remember that your child deserves to have a relationship with both of you. Denying them that relationship is only going to hurt them in the long run. Plus, it will only anger the other parent and give them ammunition to use against you in court,

2. Involving the Children in the Fight

Custody battles are never easy, but they can be especially difficult when children are involved. It’s important to remember that the children are not the ones who are fighting; they are merely innocent bystanders who are caught in the middle.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in a custody battle is involving the children in the fight. This can take many forms, such as using them as a pawn in the battle, bad-mouthing the other parent to them, or making them choose sides.

Not only is this unfair to the children, but it can also backfire on you. The court is likely to see this as an indication that you are not putting the children’s best interests first, and it could hurt your case.

If you are in the middle of a custody battle, remember to keep the children out of it. Their lives are already being turned upside down; they don’t need to be used as a weapon in your fight.

3. Breaching Court Orders

When a court issues an order, it is important that you follow it to the letter. If you do not, you could be held in contempt of court, which can result in serious penalties.

Some common examples of breaching court orders include:

• Not paying child support

• Not following the visitation schedule

• Not following the custody agreement

If you are found to be in contempt of court, you could be fined, ordered to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees, or even sent to jail. In some cases, the court may also modify the custody arrangement to punish the parent who breached the order.

Final Thoughts

Custody battles can be long, difficult, and emotionally draining for all parties involved. If you are currently involved in a custody battle or are considering starting one, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney. An attorney can help you understand the custody laws in your state and can also help you formulate a custody plan that is in the best interests of your child.

Win custody of your child with the help of Dreyer and Associates Lawyers LLP. We are a child custody lawyer in Langley that is committed to preserving the best interests of families across the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland. We have a diverse array of experience across family law, wills and estates, and residential conveyancing, although family law continues to be our focus. Book a consultation today!

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