If you share custody of your children, you may be aware that the custody agreement can change. And sometimes, the arrangement is altered based on the behavior of the parents. Here are some mistakes to avoid so that you can keep custody of your children.
Mistakes that Can Lead to Losing Custody
It may surprise you what can be held against you in custody court. It will only help to be armed with knowledge on what can be used to hurt your custody case. Here are some surprising mistakes to avoid:
1. Fabricating Lies about the Co-Parent: If you are found guilty of telling lies to try to remove custody from the other parent, then you could lose custody yourself. Speak kindly and calmly of your co-parent, presenting facts without embellishments or hearsay.
2. Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Even if a few drinks or marijuana in the safety of your home seem harmless, this could end up affecting your child custody case. Adhere to the responsible consumption of alcohol and stay away from drugs.
3. Keeping Child Away from Other Parent: Actively trying to isolate a parent from your child can lead to a change in the custody agreement. This can look like keeping phone calls and texts from the child and speaking ill about your child's parent.
4. Working Too Much: Even if your career is ultimately for your child’s benefit, a busy work schedule where you are out of town on business or in the office until after bedtime can affect a child custody agreement.
5. Violating Current Custody Agreement: If you violate current court orders not to see your child or to bring them to their other parent at certain times, then your custody agreement could be in jeopardy.
It may feel like you have to be on your best behavior in order to keep custody of your children. It all depends on the relationship you have with your co-parent and the open line of communication. It will better serve all of you to maintain a healthy relationship.
At Miles & Hatcher, LLP, our team can keep you up to date with family law and what you need to do to keep custody of your children. Do not hesitate to schedule a free consultation: (909) 481-4080.