Tips For Facing Custody Disputes During Divorce

Where the parties seeking a divorce the law of the District of Columbia generally allows the parties to amicabley establish a of mutually agreeable custody arrangement. And in some cases, the parties are able to resolve issues of custody on their own or through private mediation. Unfortunately however, it’s certainly not uncommon to go through contentious disputes regarding the custody arrangement. During this time, your best source of guidance is your child custody attorney near D.C. Your lawyer can help you understand what aspects of the case matter most to the family court. He or she will also build an effective case on your behalf to improve the chances of establishing your ideal custody arrangement.

Focus on the Needs of Your Children

Whether you’ve been served with divorce papers or you initiated the divorce, the process is rarely without emotional challenges. You may
be angry at your spouse, feel betrayed, or be tempted to be vindictive. You can explore your emotional issues with a counselor or at a support group. However, for the sake of your children, it’s essential to keep these emotions in check when interacting with your spouse or when you’re with the kids. Putting the best interests of your children first may mean backing down from an argument. It may even mean that you need to compromise when it’s time to work out a custody plan—provided that the compromise does indeed serve your children’s best interests.

Provide Your Lawyer with Necessary Documentation

During a custody dispute, it’s important to maintain documentation that may substantiate your arguments in family court. For example, your divorce lawyer may argue that your spouse is an unfit parent because he or she leaves the kids unsupervised for long periods of time. If your children do inform you that they become frightened because they were home alone, you need to write this information down and share it with your lawyer. However, avoid interrogating your kids about what happens in the other parent’s home, unless you are genuinely concerned that they may have been abused. Children should not be made to feel as though they’re picking sides in a divorce.