Most people going through a divorce would say that they'd do anything to avoid sabotaging their own case, especially when children are involved. And yet, so many parents end up hurting their own cases.
In fact, it may be easier to sabotage your custody case than you think. These are a few things you must avoid at all costs if you don't want to sabotage your case.
1. Alienate Your Spouse
One of the quickest ways to sabotage your custody case is to alienate your child from his or her other parent. The courts try to make it possible for each child to have a relationship with both parents. In fact, it can be emotionally damaging to children to undergo alienation from one of their parents, and it can also backfire on a parent who intentionally tries to breach the relationship.
2. Get into Violent or Loud Altercations
All types of conversations you may have with your spouse may be recorded, and this is something you need to keep in mind—especially when things are getting heated. Recorded conversations could indicate that you are being abusive, which can certainly impact your custody case. If you have a history of this behavior, your attorney may provide you with additional steps you can take to ensure you don't accidentally say or do something that can harm you.
3. Move in With Somebody New
Another good way to ensure that you don't receive the best reception in court is to move in with a significant other right away. It does not matter how long you've been out of love with your spouse or who left who first. Moving in with somebody new may be deemed not to be in the best interest of the child involved.
4. Don't Pay Child Support
If you want to look your best in court, it is also important that you take care of any financial obligations you have. That includes child support payments. Make sure you make those payments regularly to avoid going to jail after being found contempt.
5. Don't Hire a Divorce Attorney
The final way you can mess up your case easily is by not hiring an attorney to begin with. Divorce attorneys can help you avoid these mistakes as well as other mistakes people going through divorce often make.
Call a family law attorney today to learn more about the specifics of your divorce case.
