How to Prepare for a Child Custody Battle
December 29, 2015
Going to a child custody hearing, especially if it is your first one, can be very scary and intimidating. This is especially true for parents who aren’t entirely family with how the child custody process goes. By informing yourself, planning in advance, and speaking with an experienced child support lawyer, you can present a good case and ultimately win custody of your child.
While it is essential that you closely work with your Fort Wayne family law lawyer, here are some things to do to prepare for your case and the hearing.
Understand Child Custody Laws in Indiana
In Indiana, the courts take into account many factors to figure out child custody. Mainly it is determined based on what the best interest of the child is. These include the following:
- What the parents’ wishes are
- The age of the child
- The child’s relationship with the parents and different members of the family
- History of domestic violence
- Parents’ mental/physical health
- The child’s ability to adjust to a new home and school.
Reading into the specifics more in depth may take some time, however it is worth it to understand the process and what is taken into account before going to court.
Bring the Proper Documents
By talking to a family law attorney, you can figure out what you need to bring with you to the court hearing. These may include call logs, visitation schedules, proof of child support payments and much more.
Learn How to Act In Court
There is an expectation to act appropriately in court, and it is important to understand the overall etiquette of the courtroom. If you fail to do so, it could potentially cost you the win in a custody battle. One suggestion is to make sure to avoid any sort of outburst. Custody battles can be very emotional, but outbursts can give the court a bad impression of you.
Learn How to Dress for Court
If you are hoping to win a child custody battle, start with a good first impression. There is a standard for proper court room clothing, and it is important to talk to your lawyer about what you should wear. Certain things that should overall be avoided include short skirts, flip flops, tight clothing, tennis shoes, and jeans. Dress shoes and a suit/skirt suit are some suggested attire that could appropriately worn.
Contact A Fort Wayne Child Custody Lawyer Today
In any child custody dispute, you should contact a family law attorney to help you with your case. If you are looking for a compassionate lawyer with experience in child custody cases, contact the Fort Wayne child custody attorney at The Bellinger Law Office today.
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