The Dos and Don’ts of Child Custody
Key Takeaways:
- Child custody decisions are focused on the child’s best interests, so parents should prioritize stability, safety, and their child’s emotional well-being throughout the custody process.
- Maintain respectful communication with the other parent and avoid conflicts that could negatively impact your child or your custody case.
- Do follow court orders and custody agreements carefully, including parenting schedules, communication requirements, and other legal obligations.
- Do document important custody-related events, including communications, parenting concerns, and schedule changes, to help support your position if disputes arise.
- Do avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your child or involving your child in adult disagreements, as this can create unnecessary emotional stress.
- Do demonstrate active involvement in your child’s life by supporting their education, activities, health, and overall development.
- Do not make major parenting decisions alone when shared legal custody requires cooperation with the other parent.
Important Advice From Your Grand Rapids Child Custody Law Firm
Navigating a child custody dispute can be challenging, especially when parents are unsure what steps to take or what mistakes to avoid. This child custody advice can help parents better understand how their actions may affect their case throughout the process.
There are two major reasons why you should follow the “dos” and don’ts” from your child custody attorney. First: your children – they are worth it, right? Second: you’re spending a lot of money on your attorney; complying with the advice of your Grand Rapids child custody law firm will likely save some attorney fees.
For more than three decades, Kraayeveld Family Law has represented clients throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan in complex family law and child custody matters. If you have questions about child custody or want guidance on the dos and don’ts during a custody case in Michigan, we encourage you to get in touch.
To speak with one of our experienced child custody attorneys, please call (616) 383-2679 or contact us online. We will schedule your confidential initial consultation as soon as possible.
Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Visit us to discuss your custody concerns and learn how we can help protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
Get directions to our Grand Rapids Child Custody Law Firm
How Child Custody Decisions Are Made in Michigan
Understanding how Michigan courts evaluate child custody decisions can help parents better prepare for the legal process. In this video, our family law attorneys explain the key factors judges consider when determining custody arrangements and how the child’s best interests guide every decision.
Every child custody case and client is unique, and any online blog that can only provide general suggestions and individualized child custody legal advice from your attorney should always trump these general lists.
Understanding what the do’s and don’ts of child custody are can help parents make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and better prepare for the custody process in Michigan.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning Child Custody – The Dos
- Do show a willingness to work with your ex. Even if you can predict with 100% accuracy that your ex will reject your offers of cooperation, your offer to cooperate will benefit you during the court’s review.
- Do exercise all parenting time awarded to you. Set aside other responsibilities as much as possible. Your child needs your love and attention; especially during this time. Failure to exercise the time-ordered will not benefit you during future custody and parenting time hearings.
- Do provide regular parenting time responsibilities. You are exercising parenting time; not visitation. Spend time helping with homework, make the children Do their chores. Have chore charts at your house. Even if you never did this stuff in the past, you are a single parent now.
- Do prepare for your hearing. Keep charts, calendars, take fun photos. If you can show the judge photos that you went on field trips, you created a homey bedroom for your daughter, and you worked with your son on a four-wheeler during your free time, you are establishing a strong bond that will benefit your case.
- Do consider all settlement offers. Decades of experience have shown me that clients are never 100% happy after a custody case. There is always a sense of loss. Proceeding with an expensive custody trial will not alleviate the pain and loss. Your Grand Rapids child custody is dedicated to the best interest of you and your child. Thus, if your attorney suggests you take a child custody settlement, he or she must feel it is a good option for your family.
What Can Hurt Your Child Custody Case? – The Don’ts
- Do NOT argue in public places or with third parties. If you attend a school or extracurricular function, sit on the other side of the room if you expect an argument. If your ex creates a scene, apologize to those around you for the disturbance and politely tell your ex that you are willing to discuss the situation at a later agreed-upon time and walk away.
- Do NOT date while the divorce is pending. Your children need you now more than ever; you should be adjusting to single parenting and your children will often feel betrayed by a new ‘significant other’. Most importantly, it Doesn’t matter how you view the situation: the judge will likely view your dating as unfavorable.
- Do NOT use social media. Even if you are no longer friends with your ex, your common friends will give your ex access to your profile and use and abuse your posts at trial.
- Do NOT stalk or harass your ex. You separated for a reason. Don’t continue the fight; it’s time to move on. Contact your ex about issues regarding children, such as homework, meds, schedules, and clothes. And discuss those things via text, apps such as Our Family Wizard, and not in front of the children.
- Do NOT reject help for you and your children. There are support groups for you and your children. You or your children do not necessarily need years of counseling, but a few sessions may help you adjust much better so that you are a better employee, parent, and friend to those around you.
Other Common Mistakes Parents Make During Custody Disputes
Beyond avoiding harmful behaviors, parents should also be aware of other missteps that can affect their custody case and their ability to reach a favorable parenting arrangement.
Common mistakes may include:
- Failing to prepare for court proceedings, including not understanding the issues being decided or what information may be relevant to the case.
- Not keeping important records, such as parenting schedules, expenses, school involvement, or other details that demonstrate ongoing involvement in the child’s life.
- Allowing emotions to drive legal decisions, rather than focusing on practical solutions that support the child’s best interests.
- Overlooking the importance of consistency, including maintaining a stable routine and following through with parenting responsibilities.
- Not seeking legal guidance early enough, which may lead to missed opportunities to protect parental rights or address potential custody concerns.
A thoughtful, child-focused approach can help parents make informed decisions and better navigate the challenges that often arise during custody disputes.
When to Seek Legal Guidance for a Child Custody Matter in Grand Rapids, MI
Overall, fighting for custody can be a stressful endeavor. For more than 30 years, Kraayeveld Family Law has served as a trusted advocate for individuals and families throughout West Michigan.
Founded by attorney James W. Kraayeveld, the firm has earned a strong reputation for guiding clients through complex family law matters with strategic counsel, meticulous preparation, and personalized legal representation. Every case is approached with a commitment to clear communication, practical solutions, and protection of what matters most to each client.
If you need help with child custody, Kraayeveld Family Law can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to protect your parental rights and pursue a custody arrangement that supports your child’s best interests. Please contact us online today or call 24/7 at 616-383-2679 to schedule a confidential initial consultation.