Avoid These Common Child Custody Mistakes

When you’re going through a divorce and children are involved, the stakes are higher and you have many more factors to consider throughout the divorce process. It’s very important to hire an experienced lawyer for child custody issues during a divorce or legal separation in order to protect your rights as a parent and protect your child. Here is a look at the most common mistakes parents make during child custody cases and how hiring a child custody lawyer in Owings Mills, MD, can help you avoid mistakes like these.

Not Understanding Your State’s Child Custody Laws

Many parents go into a child custody case assuming that because they are the child’s parents, their rights are automatically protected and they will get whatever they ask for. However, many different factors can impact your custody agreement and influence the court’s decision. When you work with an experienced child custody attorney, they can help you understand your state’s child custody laws so that you know what to expect and how to best prepare for the court process.

Thinking You Don’t Need a Formal Child Custody Agreement

Another huge mistake that parents make is thinking that they don’t need a formal child custody agreement in a divorce or separation. Even if you and your former spouse or partner get along, it’s in your best interest and the child’s best interest to enter into an agreement and sign formal child custody papers. You may get along now, but circumstances can change in the future, and it’s best to protect yourself from the start.

Failing to Prioritize the Child’s Best Interests

In some cases, conflict between the parents can end up impacting negotiations for child custody, child support, parenting time, and other factors involved in the care of the child. Some parents end up putting their own emotions and interests ahead of those of their child, which can have a significant negative impact on the child. You and your former spouse or partner should work with an experienced family law attorney, mediator, or child advocate to ensure you’re putting your child’s best interests first.

Engaging in Negative Behavior

Even if you and your former spouse or partner don’t get along or have trouble communicating, you should take care to avoid engaging in negative behavior. Negative behavior can influence a judge’s decision in your child custody case and also have detrimental effects on your child’s happiness and mental health.

Ignoring Legal Advice

When you work with an experienced divorce attorney or child custody attorney, they will give you expert advice that is based on the details of your case, their deep knowledge of child custody laws, and their years of experience dealing with cases that are similar to yours. Take their advice seriously and follow their recommendations and guidance. Ignoring their advice could have a negative impact on your case.

Talking Badly About the Other Parent to the Child

Many judges explicitly prohibit parents from speaking badly about each other to their child. If a court finds evidence that you have been saying negative, harmful, or toxic things about your child’s other parent to the child, it can affect your ability to retain custody or get the parenting time you want. You may also harm your relationship with your child.

Not Communicating Effectively With the Other Parent

Entering into a fair child custody agreement and maintaining a co-parenting arrangement requires clear, healthy communication. If you don’t feel that you can communicate effectively with your former spouse or partner, you may need to consider using a third-party mediator or counselor to help you ensure consistent and clear communication.

Not Being Properly Prepared for Court or Coaching Your Child

Your child custody attorney will help you prepare for court and understand the legal process. If you are not prepared for court, negotiations, or meetings, your case may suffer and you may be seen as irresponsible. Another common mistake that parents make in child custody cases is coaching their child to say certain things. A judge can usually tell if a child has been coached by one of the parents.

Lying to the Judge or Your Attorney

Being honest with your attorney and the judge or mediator in your case is crucial. Omitting facts or information or outright lying can make it harder for your attorney to handle your case, and it can have a negative effect on the outcome of your parenting or child custody agreement. In some situations, a lie can be construed as perjury and can result in legal consequences. Be as honest and straightforward as possible throughout your case.

How Can These Mistakes Affect Your Child Custody Case?

Making these mistakes can have a negative outcome on your child custody case. You may not get the child custody agreement or parenting time that you want, or you may not get physical and/or legal custody of your child at all. Some of these mistakes can also impact your relationship with your child and affect your child’s mental health. It’s best to work with an experienced attorney throughout the divorce, legal separation, or child custody process to avoid mistakes like these.

How Can the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg Help? 

Kent L. Greenberg is a skilled, experienced child custody attorney in Owings Mills, MD, who works with clients throughout Maryland. He can evaluate your case and gather information, documentation, and evidence needed to support your rights as a parent. He can work closely with your former spouse or partner’s attorney and negotiate on your behalf. He can also act as a mediator and help you navigate conflicts or complex situations. Call the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg now or contact us online to schedule a consultation and find out how Mr. Greenberg and our team can help you navigate complex child custody issues in Maryland.