The Do’s and Don’t’s of Custody Battles in Missouri

Are you a parent who’s going through a divorce or separation in Missouri? If so, you’re probably concerned about how the outcome of your case will affect your relationship with your children. As you go through this fraught process, it can help to keep in mind what you can do to protect your parental rights—and, just as importantly, what you don’t want to do at all costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Factors Affect Custody in Missouri?

Before we get into the do’s and don’t’s of custody battles in Missouri, it’s helpful to know how the state decides matters of child custody in the first place. Missouri law requires family courts to weigh the following factors when doing so:

• Each parent’s wishes
• The need for the child to have meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible
• The child’s familial relationships with parents, siblings, and other close family members
• Each parent’s willingness to encourage the child’s ongoing relationship with the other parent
• The child’s social ties to home, school, and community
• The mental and physical health of all involved parties
• Either parent’s intention to relocate
• The child’s own wishes when possible

Missouri courts assume that it is in the child’s interests to maintain a close relationship with both parents. As such, they prefer parents to share custody of their children absent discrediting circumstances.

5 Do’s for Custody Battles in Missouri

Here are five important things you can do to win a custody battle in Missouri:

1. Prioritize Your Child’s Best Interests – Always focus on what is best for your child. Show that you can provide a stable, nurturing, and loving environment that supports your child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
2. Demonstrate a Willingness to Co-Parent – Missouri courts value parents who actively encourage a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent. Show that you are open to collaboration and communication regarding your child’s upbringing.
3. Maintain a Stable Living Environment – Ensure that your home is safe, clean, and suitable for raising a child. Be prepared to show that you can provide a consistent routine, including school schedules, extracurricular activities, and medical care.
4. Document Your Involvement – Keep records of your involvement in your child’s life, such as attending events and taking them to doctor’s appointments.
5. Get Help from an Experienced Attorney – Hire a knowledgeable family law attorney who can protect your rights and represent your interests during negotiations and in court.

5 Don’t’s for Custody Battles in Missouri

Here are five things you should never do if you want to win a custody battle in Missouri:

1. Don’t Play the Blame Game – Avoid pointing fingers or badmouthing the other parent in court. If you seem vitriolic, the court might misinterpret your legitimate concerns about your ex as being an attempt to drive a wedge between your child and their other parent.
2. Don’t Lie or Bend the Truth – Be honest in all aspects of your case, including financial disclosures, parenting responsibilities, and any allegations. Misrepresenting facts can damage your credibility.
3. Don’t Overshare Details with Your Child – Keep adult issues between adults. Involving your child in custody disputes or sharing inappropriate details about the case can harm their emotional well-being.
4. Don’t Abuse Drugs or Alcohol – Substance abuse is a major red flag in custody cases. If the court finds any indication of drug or alcohol abuse, it may view you as an unfit parent.
5. Don’t Forego Legal Help – Remember how high the stakes are right now. Attempting to navigate the custody process without an experienced attorney can lead to costly mistakes.

Contact Our Missouri Child Custody Attorneys Today

Your relationship with your kids is too important to leave to chance. Contact Grant, Miller & Smith, LLC, to discuss your case with an experienced, compassionate child custody lawyer serving St. Louis County.