Dodging the Legal Traps: Never Do These 4 Things If You Want to Win a Custody Battle

Whether you were planning it or not, divorce happens, and it can bring a world of hurt to both parties involved. Unfortunately, if a child custody dispute is in the mix, it can only make things even more painful. While the chances of you getting everything you want in a custody battle are pretty slim, according to the experts at North American Investigations, you want to do everything you possibly can to get the best arrangement as possible. While it's hard to predict how a child custody dispute will be resolved, especially if both parties have good arguments if you want to win a custody battle you need to avoid these four mistakes.


If you hire an experienced divorce attorney, like the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, who has already helped with many other clients who have faced child custody battles before, why would you ignore their advice? Unfortunately, it happens all too often. While you may know your child best, your attorney will know best about how to legally ensure that you get the best overall custody arrangement with your child.


The last thing that will win you points with the judge is if you roll your eyes every time your ex talks, and you certainly won't make a good impression if you continuously make derogatory comments about your ex. Acting like an adult is even more critical in today's digital age. This means that you have to be mature everywhere, including online. Try to avoid posting comments on your Facebook page about how your ex is a big jerk, no matter how much truth is behind the statement. Don't engage in text or email wars, because all of it can be saved and used against you in court.


While you may be ready to move on with your life and start a new relationship with someone else, you want to avoid moving too quickly. Judges aren't typically thrilled when you add this kind of messy element to the custody hearing. Not only will it upset your children, but adding a third adult to the mix can create concerns about the children's safety and well-being. Plus, if your children don't like your new significant other, they may decide that they don't want to stay at your house. Not only will this hurt your relationship with your children, but it can also seriously harm your chances of getting the custody you were hoping for.


According to the United States Census Bureau, half of the 13.4 million custodial parents had a court order to receive financial support from the noncustodial parent. While it may be hard to pay child support, it is essential that you pay it and you pay it on time. If you are the one receiving child support from your ex, you don't want to spend it on anything other than your child. Extravagant purchases should be avoided at all costs.

All of your behavior is going to be carefully evaluated throughout the entire child custody case. It is also important to remember that the orders can be changed at any time, so for the best outcome, don't make these four common mistakes.