Find an adequate / safe living environment to help get Custody of your Child. This might seem obvious, but it is a stumbling block for many parents. If you live in a home with one bedroom, an infant in a bassinet might make sense, but you may have a hard time convincing a judge that you can sleep three teenagers comfortably. You should try to find something that has age appropriate bedroom situations, allows older boys and girls to sleep separately, and an environment that avoids over crowding. As children age, they increasingly need their own living space. Further, even if children are expected to room together, the onset of puberty mandates separate sleeping quarters, and the failure to provide the same will be used against you in court. Most importantly, try to find housing and a living situation which is comparable to or better than what you had while living with the children's other parent. It is hard for a parent to complain to the judge that your new place is better than or at least equal to the marital home. It doesn't need to be fancy, just equivalent in terms of basic services and living space. Obviously if you can keep the marital home this has its own advantage as the children are arguably comfortable and acclimated to those surroundings. Of course everything is relative, and your financial means may limit your flexibility. So no matter where you move, try to keep it clean, neat, and habitable. Modest housing that is clean and neat is what most custody judges will expect. Even if you must rent a less than perfect abode, and the opposing parent has that, "nice house in the country", adequate sleeping areas, and good housekeeping will keep you on equal footing. Basic hygiene and cleanliness are key here. Judges are swayed by pictures of dirty homes, over flowing litter boxes, and dingy appearances. Did you know its possible to have multiple lawyers quote what they would charge to take your case? TIP #2 - Stay in the same school district
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Use our Free Child Custody resources to learn more. Each article or vignette was prepared by an attorney, and explains some general strategies and ideas for parents with custody issues. Of course all 50 states have different laws and ways of applying the principles of child custody, so you should familiarize yourself with your state's particular custody laws and rules. |
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Considering a Custody Case? Call (877) 257-9050 to Talk to an Attorney
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Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (1997) (original text)
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