What NOT to Do During a Custody Battle

A custody battle can be a very traumatic and challenging experience for the whole family. Going through a legal process can be an incredibly turbulent period for both parents and children. It can lead to lasting bitterness and divisions between individuals, and families can be split apart, which can be a very distressing experience for everyone involved. During this time, it's essential to try and keep your emotions in check, as specific actions can seriously impact your chances of achieving a favorable legal outcome.

The first step you should take is to get in touch with a family law attorney in North Carolina. By booking a consultation as soon as possible, you can receive personalized advice and guidance from legal professionals who will help you avoid common mistakes and actions that could be detrimental to your case. You can confidently pursue the best possible outcome for your custody battle with their assistance.

It's important to know that there are specific actions that you should and should not take during this time. For example, it's important to avoid any behavior that could be seen as violent or aggressive, as this could negatively impact your case. Similarly, you should avoid engaging in any actions that could be seen as an attempt to intimidate or harass the other party, as this could also be detrimental to your case.

Another common mistake that people make during this process is to rely on internet research to guide their actions. While this can be a helpful starting point, it's important to remember that every case is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. This is why it's so important to speak with a qualified attorney in a one-on-one setting so that you can receive advice based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Going through a legal process can be a challenging and complex experience. However, following the proper steps and seeking the right guidance can increase your chances of achieving a favorable legal outcome. Remember to stay calm, avoid any aggressive or harassing behavior, and seek out personalized advice from a qualified attorney.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

Generally speaking, it is a good idea to adopt a policy of "radio silence" when it comes to social media during a divorce. Remember, anything you say or post on the internet could potentially be used against you in court. Even if you post something in an emotional state and later delete it, the content could still be retrieved by lawyers and used against you. The same goes for text messages and virtually any type of online communication, including emails. If you want to say something to your spouse and you think it might be construed as unfavorable, be sure to check with your attorney first. In fact, you might want to conduct most (if not all) communications with your ex through legal representatives, especially if your breakup was not on good terms.

Avoid Starting New Relationships

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging time, and the thought of starting a new relationship may seem like an excellent way to move on. However, it's essential to take into account the potential impact on your children and custody situation before making any significant decisions.

While you are legally free to date anyone you want after a divorce, it's crucial to be cautious, especially if you start a new relationship too soon. A judge may view this as a negative factor that could potentially traumatize your children and negatively affect your custody outcome. It's vital to prioritize your children's emotional well-being when making decisions.

Additionally, it's essential to be mindful of the timing of moving in with a new partner, particularly if your children will be staying with you as part of a custody arrangement. Although it may be tempting to move on quickly, it's best to wait until the divorce is finalized before "officially" starting a new relationship.

Avoid Moving Too Far Away

Another common mistake is moving too far away from your ex. If the breakup was on bad terms, you might want to get as far away from your former spouse as humanly possible. Although understandable in many cases, this approach can ultimately harm your chances of spending time with your children. This is because a judge may decide that the distance between the two homes is too great, and the travel time places unnecessary levels of stress on your children as they drive between you and your ex. If you want to pursue the best possible outcome, you might want to stay in the same general neighborhood.

Avoid Conflicts With Your Ex

When dealing with legal proceedings involving your ex-partner, it is crucial to avoid any unnecessary conflicts or disputes. This is not only important from a personal standpoint, but it can also have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Judges are looking for evidence of your ability to work together with your ex-partner, so it is essential to demonstrate that you can cooperate in a professional and respectful manner.

One of the key reasons why it is important to avoid conflicts with your ex-partner is that any disputes that arise during the legal process may be brought to light in court. This can be detrimental to your case as it could suggest that you are unable to work collaboratively with your ex-partner, which may lead to an unfavorable outcome.

To avoid any potential conflicts, it is recommended that you interact with your ex-partner in a calm and professional manner. This means avoiding any hostile or confrontational behavior, even if you may have personal animosity towards your ex. Instead, focus on communicating in a constructive and respectful way and try to find common ground wherever possible.

By taking this approach, you can demonstrate to the court that you are willing and able to work with your ex-partner, which can help to present you in a positive light. This, in turn, can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your legal proceedings.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been searching for a qualified family law attorney in North Carolina, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous parents pursue the best possible outcomes when it comes to child custody. We recognize that this may be an incredibly emotional time for you and that you may be tempted to take certain actions based on your emotions rather than logic. Before you make any hasty decisions, be sure to book a consultation with us at your earliest convenience. During this consultation, we can discuss the specifics of your situation and determine the best course of action. Based on our recommendations and guidance, you can strive for a positive outcome in a highly confident and efficient manner. Reach out today.