Parents who want to win child custody must know how to behave in the courtroom or risk losing their custody battle.
Preparing for your first child custody hearing can be intimidating and scary, especially if you’ve never been in that situation before. However, there are always things you can do to bring a convincing case to the court and eventually win child custody. You’ll need some planning, but with the help of professional lawyers, you’ll get through anything.
So, if you’re currently in this position, here are six tips to prepare for your custody hearing that will make you sound and look qualified to win custody of your child.
Be Familiar with Your State’s Child Custody Laws
Every state has different child custody laws, and they vary a lot. That’s why one of the first things you should do is understand the laws of your state or the state where the custody hearing will be held. Although going through these laws can seem tedious and time-consuming, it will help you realize what you’re up against before your custody hearing.
Suppose you’re from Tennessee; in that case, you will need to learn more about its child custody laws and ultimately get in touch with Memphis Custody Lawyers. At the same time, you could also try to read the latest regulations and come up with a list of questions to ask your attorney as your court date approaches. This is one way of preparing for your hearing, so you don’t have to worry about how to present your case and if the judges will ask any confusing questions.
Bring the Necessary Documents to Court
You must always stay in touch and work with your lawyer to determine what documents to bring to your custody hearing and if your personal records are allowed. Additionally, they might encourage you to obtain proof of child-support payments, a detailed phone log, a visitation schedule, and similar notes.
Usually, many parents aren’t aware of the upcoming consequences that a divorce might bring in their custody hearing. For that reason, it’s vital that during your divorce process, you talk with your personal attorney. Again, you can seek help from Memphis Divorce Lawyers, who’ll be ready to answer any questions you might have for your custody hearing in the future.
Learn Courtroom Etiquette
Parents who want to win child custody must know how to behave in the courtroom or risk losing their custody battle. It’s always crucial that you discuss courtroom etiquette with your attorney to understand what it’s expected from you and whether there are any pitfalls you need to be aware of. To practice better, you can do some role-playing with your lawyer in advance.
Besides that, courtroom etiquette is how parents dress to make a first impression. Proper courtroom attire is often overlooked, but you’d be surprised at how much this can increase your chances of making a good impression on the judge. Again, you can talk to your lawyer about what appropriate clothes you can wear to ensure you present yourself best.
Know What to Expect in Advance
Many people believe that custody cases are heard before a jury, but that’s not the case. In fact, your case will be presented in front of the judge, who will make a decision and award custody to one or both parents. Child custody hearings tend to be less argumentative than other court cases, but parents should always know what to expect in advance and be prepared for every step.
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