5 Ways to Improve Your Child Custody Case

If you are seeking custody of your child, the standard used by the court in awarding custody to one parent over another, or in granting primary physical custody, is what is in the best interests of the child. Though this is stated broadly, there are definite factors the court will examine in making its determination. Your best bet in improving your quest to be the primary custodian is to know what these standards are first and then to adjust your behavior or circumstances in the 5 recommended ways set forth below.

Factors Used by the Court in  Child Custody Cases

Some factors are beyond your control while others signify what steps you can take to improve your odds:

• Age of the child
• Desires of the parents
• The child’s physical and mental health
• The  mental and physical health of both parents
• Which parent has been providing for the child’s care to date
• The home environment of each parent’s home
• Which parent is more likely to allow continuing contact with the noncustodial parent
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s health, physical, emotional and other needs
• How attached the child is to the community, school or home where the child is now residing
• Any evidence of abuse, neglect or domestic violence
• If false allegations of such abuse were brought
• If a change in the current custody arrangement or circumstances would be unduly disruptive

These are the general factors involved. If the child is old or mature enough, then the court could consider the child’s preference as well.

Also, the courts are not supposed to favor mothers over fathers though some judges may give more consideration to the mother for very young children if all other factors are equal. However, the court will award primary custody to whichever parent can demonstrate the most stable environment and one in which the child can thrive.

Be Aware of Your Future Parenting Responsibilities

Before you venture into discussions with the other parent, or litigation if there is a custody battle, consider if you honestly feel you are the parent best suited for your child. Also, be aware that having primary or sole custody is a huge responsibility. Your lifestyle will have to adjust and your main priority will be your child’s unique needs and overall welfare. For example, if your child would be changing schools, be informed about the quality of the school, its teachers, after school activities and if transportation needs to be arranged. If your child is an athlete, have a sports team or organization for them to join, a music or dance teacher available and church or synagogue for them to attend.

5 Ways to Improve Your Child Support Chances

With the above factors in mind, here are 5 ways you can improve your chances of gaining sole or primary custody:

1. Be thoroughly familiar with your child’s health needs and medical records. Do you know the doctor’s name? What immunizations has the child received or not received yet? Have you taken the child to the doctor on a regular basis?
2. If your child is involved in a sport, volunteer to be a coach or at least assist whenever possible. Attend the practices and games, matches or meets and know the coaches’ names. If your child plays an instrument, pay for the lessons and take your child there and to concerts or recitals.
3. Become familiar with your child’s school, teachers, friends and grades. What is your child’s favorite or worst subject? Volunteer to chaperone on trips or join the PTA. Do you help with homework? Attend all parent-teacher conferences and make note if the other parent objects. Volunteer to take your child to any events or friend’s homes.
4. Keep a journal of what activities you are doing with your child including dates and other details. Include how much time you spent with your child. Take photographs of the events. If the other parent is frequently gone or absent, make detailed notes on this as well. Write down any negative comments, profane language, arguments, or threats made to you or those your child repeats to you about what the other parent said. Do not make any negative comments about the other parent.
5. Develop a parenting plan to present to the court. A parenting plan is a set of guidelines for how you will raise your child with the other parent. It sets out visitation schedules, visitation by grandparents, holiday schedules and birthday celebrations, responsibility for the child’s various medical and other expenses, transportation for medical appointments and anything else regarding your child’s welfare.

There is no perfect way to gain child custody and your concerted efforts may not be successful. But undertaking these suggestions will at least improve your relationship with your child and perhaps with your ex-spouse or other parent as well.