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contested-child-custody

Preparing for a Contested Custody Case

In custody battles, your future relationship with your children is in the court’s hands. To improve your chances of a positive outcome, you must educate yourself about the process and prepare unrelentingly. Begin your education and preparation with the information below.

In a contested custody case, you can expect the following:

  • Child custody evaluators, psychologists, doctors, your husband, other witnesses and the judge will microscopically examine your personal life and parenting skills.
  • The court may appoint a lawyer or guardian ad litem whose job is to represent the best interests of your children.
  • A family court evaluator or mediator will evaluate your case and help the judge make custody and visitation decisions.

In a contested custody case, you can do many things to prepare:

  • Immediately stop any behavior inappropriate for a mother. If you stop or change any inappropriate behavior, be prepared to explain past behavior and provide evidence that it will not happen again in the future.
  • Hire a family lawyer who specializes and has extensive experience in contested custody cases. If you already have a lawyer who doesn’t have the necessary experience, hire the specialist to serve as co-counsel and for your custody matter. If you can’t afford a family lawyer, do everything you can to find free legal assistance.
  • With your husband, co-hire a neutral, independent evaluator to conduct an evaluation and make recommendations to the court. Ask your custody lawyer to recommend evaluators.
  • Confidentially disclose to your lawyer any information that could damage your case.
  • Gather any evidence that may be helpful in your case including, but not limited to, doctors’ records, police reports, child protective agency reports, school records and a list of people who will testify on your behalf.
  • Always keep your children’s best interests at heart.

For additional information, visit these web sites:

This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have legal questions that relate to your specific divorce. The Modern Woman's Divorce Guide has no relationship with the organizations; agencies or programs listed above and does not endorse their services. We provide these links for your information only.

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