Experienced Indianapolis child custody attorneys explain what you need to know
Child custody cases often bring up many complicated legal issues for everyone involved. And because such cases involve who will be responsible for taking care of and raising children, such cases can often become very emotional and complicated for both parents.
That’s why it’s important for parents to understand how to best approach such complex legal cases. Otherwise, what’s best for them and their children might not be taken into consideration during the child custody mediation process.
Below, the experienced, Indianapolis child custody attorneys at Hocker & Associates, LLC, have compiled a list of suggestions for how best to approach such cases. It’s also important to understand that every child custody case is different. That’s why you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options.
What steps can parents take during child custody mediation cases?
If you and your spouse are taking part in a child custody mediation proceeding, it’s important to remember to take certain steps throughout this difficult legal process. Some of the steps that may improve the outcome of your case include:
- Present yourself in a positive light – We understand that child custody mediation proceedings can sometimes become very difficult or emotional. However, if you react and present yourself in a negative way (yelling at your ex-spouse, name calling, etc.), you could have a negative impact your case.
- Show a willingness to work with your ex-spouse – The more cooperative you are, the more willing your spouse and the mediator may be to agreeing to your requests.
- Spend as much time as possible with your children – If you already have certain set times to see your children, make sure you use that time to see your children. And you don’t need to do just fun stuff with them like going to the movies, amusement parks or dining out. It’s ok to do everyday things like homework and chores with your children. This demonstrates that you’re willing to do the hard work that often comes with being a parent.
- Request an in-home custody evaluation – Sometimes during child custody mediation proceedings, one spouse can present a negative impression of the other spouse. By requesting an in-home evaluation, an impartial mediator can see what your home life is really like and how you can raise your child in a supportive, loving household.
- Don’t be late for visits or pickups – If you and your ex-spouse have agreed upon a specific time for you to pick up and drop off your kids, stick to the schedule. If you don’t do so, that could affect your ability to have more time to spend with your children in the future.
- Don’t regularly reschedule visits with your children – If you repeatedly reschedule visits with your children – especially at the last minute – that could create a negative impression with an impartial mediator and hurt your case. Your ex-spouse might also be unwilling to cooperate with you since you frequently rescheduling visits.
- Keep detailed documentation – Keep a detailed record of interactions you have with your children and your ex-spouse. Write down the exact date and time of activities you have done with your children, if your spouse was ever late dropping off or picking up your children and more. Details matter when it comes child custody mediation cases.
- Hire an experienced child custody attorney – You might think you can simply resolve your issues with your ex-spouse on your own without lawyers. But the reality is many child custody medication proceedings can become very complicated. And if you and your ex-spouse cannot resolve your disputes in mediation, you have the right to request a court proceeding with a judge to resolve your issues. In such cases, it’s important to have an attorney who can represent you and make sure your concerns are taken seriously by the judge and your ex-spouse.
To learn more about how a child custody attorney can help with your mediation case, contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced, Indianapolis child custody lawyer at Hocker & Associates, LLC.