A lot of parents get to share time with their kids. But if you and the other parent split up, sometimes it’s hard to share time with them. You might have to fight in court for visitation or custody of your child so that you can see your kid more often.
You can plan how you and the other parent will spend time together with your children — this document is called a parenting plan that tells the judge what you want. It is crucial to keep in touch with your kids both when they’re living at home and when they’re not, even if it’s just by phone or email.
However, if you genuinely want to gain sole custody for your children, then you have to play it smart. Here are five tactics that you could use to win the child custody case:
1. Don’t badmouth the other parent in front of your kids
You might feel like it when they do something you don’t like in front of your child, but talking badly about a child’s other parent won’t win you child custody. This might make the child feel like they have to choose between you and the other parent.
And that’s not fair — your child loves both of you; badmouthing the child’s other parent will only make your child feel bad. Even if the negotiations for child support go sideways, you can’t badmouth your child’s other parent to the judge. Instead, you should get the help of your child support lawyer so you can get the promised financial aid from the other parent.
2. Keep all child care arrangements between child and parent
It might be difficult not to contact your child if they are with the other parent. However, you have to show that you can respect the child’s time with the other parent. If child custody matters go to court, it’s better not to show that you’re trying to interfere with the child custody arrangements.
Besides, you don’t want the other parent to say that you interfere with child custody. Also, do not try buying your child’s love by offering them extra gifts or treats. The child has to know that they are loved equally by both parents, so don’t try to bribe your child to be on your side.
3. Don’t say you can do a better job of child care
You have to show the child that their other parent can provide child care. If you have to go to court for child custody, you should be able to back up your claims that the child will be in a better place with you. You can do this by showing that you have child-centered activities available to your child or that you will provide child care in a stable and child-centered environment.
It might be tempting to show off how great you are in front of your child, but this is not the right time to brag. The other parent will undoubtedly have some good points about themselves, so don’t get sucked into a bragging match. Instead, stay modest and humble, and let your child decide for themselves what they think of you.
4. Don’t show favoritism towards your child
Your child custody case might be stronger if you show that you are not showing favoritism towards your child. Your child will not like it if they feel like you’re playing favorites. Also, if your child does not feel okay with going time with the child’s other parent, they might try to avoid it.
So, as much as possible, avoid showing favoritism towards your child. It’s not going to help you win child custody, and it might make your child feel like they’re living with a stranger instead of a parent.
5. Show that you can support child growth and development
Your child custody case will be stronger if you show the child that you can help them grow and develop as a child. You can show this through child-centered activities, such as providing education, child-friendly care, or child support.
However, the best way to support your child’s growth and development is to show the court that you can provide a stable and child-centered environment for them. This means that child care will not be an issue (if you can get child support) and that the other parent can provide a suitable environment for your child’s growth and development.
The five tactics listed above are essential for protecting your relationship with your children. Of course, you don’t have to follow them all at once. However, the more you can use these tactics, the better your chances of having a healthy relationship with your child.
