Child custody cases are often complex, especially when parents cannot see eye to eye. Problems can also arise when it comes to disputes about the level of care provided to kids, which sometimes factors into custody decisions.
If you were the primary breadwinner in your relationship and worked long hours as a result, your ex-spouse may claim that you are not suited to a joint custody relationship. Even if this is not the case and you provided ample care to your child, you must still present the best possible case in court to ensure a successful outcome. Here are a few tips on how you can do just that.
Be reasonable about how much time you can spend with your kids
It is tempting to spend as much time with your children as possible. This is especially true when you are faced with a divorce, which can be emotionally trying for all involved. However, claiming you can spend more time with your child than you can actually manage will only come back to haunt you in the end. If you are constantly canceling visits or re-scheduling time with your children, it is likely your ex will request a modification to the existing court order. It is better to make an honest assessment, even if you end up spending less time with your kids than you would like.
Make sure your manager at work is fully aware of your responsibilities
Situations often arise at work that call for late hours and overtime. If you are unable to work late on certain days, make sure your supervisor knows this ahead of time. That way you will avoid scheduling conflicts and rest assured you will be there for your children exactly when you say you will be.
Keep the focus on your children
If you run into obstacles when negotiating over custody, keep the focus on your children. Everything that is done during the course of your divorce should be performed in the best interests of your kids, even if that means you let go of some of the things you are negotiating for. The more flexible you are, the better off your children will be in the long run.
