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A New Jersey child custody case can be emotionally draining, challenging, and quite complex. If you're going through a New Jersey child custody case, it's crucial to be aware of the common mistakes that you should avoid in order to achieve a favorable outcome in your case. Your initial response to some of these mistakes may be that you find it hard to imagine them happening. The reality is that they do occur and with surprising relative regularity.
Failing to Consider Your Child's Best InterestsThe primary consideration in any child custody case is the best interests of the child. As a parent, it's crucial to prioritize your child's needs and wellbeing throughout the entire custody process. This includes considering their emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Failing to do so can harm your chances of obtaining custody.
Not Following Court OrdersCourts expect parents to follow their orders, including schedules for visitation and custody arrangements. Not adhering to these orders could result in a judge's decision not being in your favor. It's crucial to be aware of the court orders and to follow them to the letter.
Making False Allegations Against the Other ParentIn a custody battle, it's common for one parent to make false allegations against the other parent. This can harm your credibility in the eyes of the court and also hurt your child's relationship with the other parent. It's never a good idea to make false allegations against the other parent and doing so can have serious consequences on the outcome of your case.
Using Your Child as a Messenger Between You and Your Ex-PartnerAnother recurring mistake that can occur in a New Jersey child custody case involves using children to communicate with the other spouse. Children should never be put in the middle of a custody dispute. Using them as a messenger between you and your ex-partner can cause emotional distress and harm your custody case. It's important to keep your child out of the conflict and avoid using them to communicate with your ex-partner.
Speaking Negatively About Your Ex-Partner in Front of Your ChildIt's important to keep your child out of the conflict and avoid speaking negatively about your ex-partner in front of your child. Doing so can lead to emotional distress for your child and harm your custody case. Always refrain from doing so and focus on maintaining a positive relationship with your child.
Failing to Keep Accurate Records of Your Communication With the Other ParentKeeping accurate records of communication with the other parent can be helpful in a custody case. This includes dates, times, and the nature of the conversation. Make sure to keep track of all communication with your ex-partner to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes in the future.
Not Cooperating With the Other Parent During the Custody Evaluation ProcessDuring a custody evaluation process, it's important to cooperate with the other parent. Failing to do so can harm your case and make it more difficult to obtain custody. It's important to be open-minded and flexible during the evaluation process in order to achieve a favorable outcome.
Ignoring the Advice of Your AttorneyYour attorney is there to guide you through the legal process and provide you with legal advice. Ignoring their advice can lead to negative consequences in your custody case. It's important to listen to your attorney and take their advice seriously to avoid any negative outcomes in your case.
Failing to Show Up to Scheduled Court AppearancesShowing up to scheduled court appearances is crucial in a custody case. Missing court appearances can harm your custody case and even result in a judge ruling in favor of the other parent. Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar and show up on time to avoid any negative consequences.
Keep in mind that the wellbeing of your child should always be your top priority, and always follow the advice of your attorney. If you're facing a New Jersey child custody case, call the Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen at (201) 845-7400 for a free consultation.