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If you are facing a custody battle, you are probably concerned about what will happen to your parental rights. No one wants to picture a life without their children. The first step is to hire an attorney who specializes in family law and child support in Springfield, IL. However, once you have the right lawyer, it’s important to do your part to ensure that things go smoothly. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help: - Do hire an attorney who specializes in family law and custody battles. Attempting to solve a custody battle without the right type of representation can lead to difficulty and problems down the road.
- Do try to cooperate. While you might not have a great relationship with your ex, it’s important to try to keep things civil. If you are acting unreasonable, there is a chance that it could interfere with your custody battle. In some cases, you could lose custody all together.
- Do brush up on custody laws. It’s important to understand your parental rights. However, it’s also important to know exactly what is allowed and what isn’t allowed as far as custody laws are concerned. Without the right knowledge, you could end up breaking the law without even knowing it, putting your right to custody in jeopardy.
- Don’t miss your visits. If you have been allotted a certain amount of time with your children, it’s important that you show up, and show up on time. Cancelling your visits could impact your future arrangements. When you do have your children, it’s important to continue a schedule. Doing homework, eating dinner together, and sticking to a bedtime will all help your children to feel more comfortable with the transition.
- Don’t speak negatively of your ex in front of your kids. That person is your ex —not your kids’ ex. Respect the relationship that your children and ex still have.
- Do be aware that perception matters. It’s important that you do everything you can to present yourself as a loving and competent parent. This includes being on time and dressing appropriately.
- Don’t turn to alcohol or drugs. Whether as a way of self-medicating or because you like to party, if you are dealing with a custody battle, it’s time to quit. It could put your kids at risk and also your custody arrangement.
- Do listen to any suggestions the court gives you. If you need to take a parenting class, do it. If the judge tells you to find a new living arrangement, do it. This is a great way to show how far you are willing to go in order to have time with your kids.
- Do be mindful of your child. A custody arrangement should support the best interest of the child. So, no matter what you think is best for you, try to see the bigger picture and keep your child’s future in mind.
- Do keep a journal. When dealing with a custody battle, it’s best to keep documentation of everything. This includes when you have custody of your children, what you do, and when you correspond with your ex.
- Don’t use your kids as your therapist. Your kids don’t need to hear the intimate details of your divorce. They also don’t need to hear how hard things are for you. If you are struggling, reach out to a counselor.
A custody battle can be a bitter dispute. However, finding someone who specializes in family law and child support in Springfield, IL, is a great way to ensure that things go more smoothly from a legal perspective. By following the few dos and don’ts stated above, you and your children will be happier and healthier during the process.
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