Divorce becomes more complicated when a child is involved. Child custody battles can be taxing both financially and mentally. Unless you have a good lawyer, you may have difficulty winning custody of your child.
Both contested and uncontested divorce involves child custody. But in an uncontested divorce, both parties agree to the divorce terms, and thus, getting alimony, child custody and custody amount is comparatively hassle-free. However, in the case of a contested divorce, the scenario can be pretty different. Your spouse may also want custody, and situations become complex.
If you are caught up in a contested divorce with a tussle for child custody, these tips can help you immensely.
Hire a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer is very important when fighting a contested divorce. A divorce lawyer Honolulu will assess your situation and prepare a case that best suits your interests. Ensure you hire lawyers who have a good record and belong to a reputed law firm. Check their credentials and record before hiring.
Advocates prevent you from taking wrong steps and can ensure peace between the contesting parties. People often have unrealistic expectations from the court, like complete custody with no visitation rights granted to the other spouse. But it is highly unlikely, and your lawyer will help you set a more realistic expectation without harming your case.
A good lawyer sees that you get custody without the child being deprived of financial support from the other party. Being a mother is not always enough to get custody of your child. Many women take it for granted that the court would grant them custody simply because they are women and thus do not hire a lawyer. But it can backfire as the court does not decide custody solely on the gender of the parents. You need a much stronger case to get custody.
Your lawyer should be proficient in family law Hawaii and must have bagged successful cases in the same category. Look for their website reviews and see how well they have served previous clients.
Don't Make the Situation Ugly
It is very easy for a divorce affair to get ugly. The parties often try to fling mud at each other and tarnish their reputation. But the wise way is to keep things dignified. Ugly spats in the courtroom and discussions can have a negative effect on the child. It can scar them for life, which you don't want. So try to mellow things as much as possible and let your lawyer do the talking.
Lawyers have a professional way of dealing with cases as they are not personally involved and thus can objectively reason things. It works extremely well in a court of law. They often suggest out-of-court settlement as it is best for both parties and the child in concern.
Limit Your Social Media Use
The other party can use your social media account in court to prove allegations against you. Thus be very careful when posting anything. Many people jump to their social media accounts to write long, resentful posts about their ex. While it might feel good at that moment, it can turn against you in court.
The opposing lawyer could use it to assess your character using them. They make strong statements about your state of mind, how much time you spend outside or on travels, your habits, spending sprees etc. So as long as you are caught up in a custodial battle, it is best not to post your activities on social media.
Maintain Amicable Relationship
It is always beneficial for the child when separated parents make an effort to keep things cordial between them. It allows them to have a normal childhood and spend time with both. Do not look for 100% custody; allow the other parent some time with your child.
If possible, ask for reasonable child support that would fulfill your child's needs but not drain their financial state. Your lawyer can help you estimate the child support amount you must ask for. Family court lawyers are well-versed in childsupport Hawaii laws and know exactly how to calculate the amount.
Bond With Your Child
Bond with your child and focus on establishing a healthy relationship. It is the best way to enforce a strong influence on your child's life. Spend quality time and focus on the child's overall development. Genuine efforts are always appreciated by the judges and can get you an upper hand in the case.
Getting custody is not going to be a cakewalk in a contested divorce. But with the right lawyer and proper steps, you can win custody. The key is to have patience and practice a positive attitude and activity.
