If you’re an Edina parent who is going through a divorce or separation, it’s likely you’re facing a custody and parenting time case, too. Your divorce attorney should have you prepared for all the potential fallout of your divorce, but you may not be spending as much time considering the steps you need to take to ensure you reach a favorable custody outcome. Whether you’re just beginning the process and don’t have a parenting time lawyer in Edina yet, or if you have a great attorney and just want to get an extra leg up on your co-parent prior to your custody battle, this post can help. Read on to learn about the most common dos and don’ts that apply to a child custody battle.
Do everything in your power to compromise with your co-parent
It can be difficult to set aside the hurt feelings, resentments, and frustrations that often arise when parents try to agree on a child custody arrangement. Keep in mind that it’s best for everyone, including your child, if you can settle the issues outside of court. That way, you can stop a “battle” over custody before it even starts. Generally, you will save money and time by negotiating your child custody and parenting time in mediation instead of in the courtroom. Do everything you possibly can to make sure that’s the case.
Don’t resort to petty conduct
No matter how upset you get about your co-parent’s conduct, don’t stoop to their level. Handle the custody dispute in a respectful and mature way, and you’ll make your Edina child custody attorney’s job much easier. The courts don’t think highly of petty and negative behavior, and you never know what sort of undesired consequences your unbecoming conduct could have on the case.
Do find the right attorney, financial analyst, and other professionals
Your case is not like any other case, so don’t decide to go with a one-size-fits-all team of professionals if you want to win this custody battle. Do extensive research in the beginning to find an attorney who can compassionately yet effectively help you navigate the process. And don’t stop there – consider hiring a financial analyst and any other experts whose knowledge you feel maybe necessary to help you win your case.
Don’t assume you’re a shoo-in for custody
One of the most detrimental and damaging things to your case right now is overconfidence and hubris. I’m sure you’re an amazing parent who wants the best for your child, and you deserve to have that precious time with him or her. In many ways, though, your ex-spouse or co-parent may also be an outstanding parent. If you can’t determine a parenting plan through mediation, the courts will decide what’s best for your kid. Don’t ever go into court assuming the judge will share your perspective. That assumption can lead to you being underprepared to argue your case.
Do keep what’s best for your child in mind
You probably wouldn’t be reading this article if it wasn’t in your child’s best interest to live with you, at least the majority of the time. Due to the notoriously high-conflict nature of many custody cases, though, it’s easy to lose sight of the ultimate goal. If your child can spend time with both parents without it being detrimental to him or her, try to keep that in mind when negotiating. You and your child both have a better chance at happiness this way.
If you need a caring, experienced attorney to help you through the difficult process of determining custody and parenting time in Edina, MN, please contact family law attorney Edina.