4 Facts About Child Custody Cases

A child custody case will determine the physical placement and legal custody of the child involved. The child’s physical placement will regulate how the parties involved will share time with the child while the legal custody will determine which parent will make any significant decisions for the child.

Below are four facts about child custody cases everyone should be aware of:

1. Perception Is Everything in a Custody Case

During a child custody battle, the court’s perception of your character is all that matters. It does not matter what the other attorney is saying about you; all that matters is if the court believes it or not. Ensure to do everything to present yourself as a loving parent, competent and involved in the child’s life. This should include dressing well for court, being punctual to court proceedings and showing the proper courtroom etiquette.

2. Once a Child Is Placed, It’s Hard to Reverse the Ruling

Family courts make their ruling under the assumption that a child requires routine and stability. Once the court has ruled, it’s hard to change the ruling or make any significant changes to the child’s life unless an apparent reason for the change is presented to the court.

The party requesting the changes have to prove that the benefits for the requested changes outweigh the emotional and physical hardships that come with disrupting a child’s stability and routine. The court often looks at the bigger picture and makes the right decision for the child.

3. In a Custody Case, It’s Not Official Unless It’s a Court Order

It’s essential to get everything from a custody agreement written down in a court order. Any promises made by any of the parents or responsibilities bestowed upon them should be written down and signed by the court. Otherwise, it may prove hard to enforce them. If something is not written down, the court is limited and may not be able to enforce it.

4. Custody Agreements Make Decisions About Where a Parent Can Live.

Once a court makes the initial ruling in a custody case, it also decides on where the child should live. If a primary guardian or parent is available, the court will give them a particular geographic area in which a child can reside. It’s up to the parent to choose the best area. However, if there is no primary guardian, the court will choose an area for both parents to reside with the child.

If the primary caregiver wants to leave the designated geographic area, they must show the court that their motive for moving is for the best interest of the child and not to frustrate the child’s relationship with the other parent. The parent can move for work or be near family who will help in raising and nurturing the child.

All child custody settlements are made based on the child’s welfare. This means that all aspects of the parents’ lives are analyzed to determine who is best suited to live with the child. Other basics of child custody cases, such as state and local laws are also put into consideration during custody battles decisions.