Divorce and child custody battles often involve heated emotions. As a result, it’s not always easy to remain calm and rational. This is why enlisting the help of a family lawyer is so important; your attorney can help you avoid mistakes that could compromise your interests.
No child custody battle is easy, and your behavior can certainly affect the outcome. Your lawyer can explain the factors a judge will consider when awarding custody, as well as the steps you can take to improve the chances of a positive outcome to your case.
At the Elliot Green Law Offices, we can answer your questions about child custody, asset division, maintenance and other divorce topics. Mr. Green is a Queens child custody attorney who always puts his clients first. Call us today at 718-260-8668 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on to learn three common mistakes that may compromise your child custody battle:
- Presenting the Other Parent Negatively to Children
Many parents go to great lengths to influence how their children feel about the other parent. While you may believe this will benefit your case, the opposite is usually true. In fact, according to New York Courts, the judge will favor a joint-custody scenario whenever possible.
Judges are very familiar with alienation of affection cases, and they will see this as a warning sign. Try to remember that healthy interaction with both parents is usually best for children, and their interests should come first.
- Getting Physical
Do not let your divorce or custody battle get physical – especially in front of the children. If you cause harm to your husband or wife, then you are committing a criminal offense that can certainly have an effect on your custody case. Domestic violence is a serious offense, according to New York laws, and a conviction may come with a fine, time behind bars and other consequences.
- Skipping Child Support Payments
Even if you feel aggrieved by during the divorce process, do not skip child support payments. If you do this, then a judge may find you in contempt of the order. This could lead to jail time or a fine, and it can have a significant impact on the final custody ruling.
Judges will consider child support to be your most important financial commitment. If you fail to pay, then you are indicating a level of disrespect for the legal system – and for your children. Even if you feel that the child support payments are unfair, make an effort to pay them; this can improve your chances of winning sole or shared custody.
If you are going through a child custody battle, then the Elliot Green Law Offices can help. As a Queens family lawyer, can represent your interests and help you avoid critical mistakes. Call us today at 718-260-8668 to schedule a consultation.