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What to Expect During a Child Custody Case

Apr 19, 2023

Having to go through the process of a child custody battle can be an exhausting and frightening experience. Whether the parents approach the child custody case with mutual respect and patience, or one or both parents experience and express great turmoil during the process, child custody cases are often challenging and lengthy.

How to Prepare for a Child Custody Case

Preparing for your child custody case includes having answers prepared for potential questions, having the right people ready to testify for you, and wearing court-appropriate attire, among other factors.

  • Preplanned Answers: The judge and court will ask questions about your job, the hours you work, your income and how you intend to provide for your child post-divorce, and many other questions relating to how your child will receive the proper care they deserve in your custody. Anticipating how you answer is a key part of preparing for court proceedings.
  • Support System: Who you have in your life also plays a key role in the judge's ruling. Having people who can testify for you as a parent, including teachers, babysitters, family and friends, expresses a strong support system to the judge, which means that your child will also have a strong support system as they grow.
  • Physical Presentation: How you dress can greatly impact a judge's opinion of you. Arriving at the courthouse early, prepared, and dressed appropriately (typically business formal) indicates to the judge that you know how to prioritize important matters and value the relationship with your child and your role as a parent.

What to Expect During the Court Proceedings

  • Limited Time: Your child custody case is important to you, the judge, and other participants in the court proceedings. However, the judge handles multiple cases per day, so there is limited time to make your arguments. It's important to keep your answers and arguments clear and concise.
  • Multiple Testimonies: A child custody hearing isn't solely reliant on the testimonies of the parents, but also allows the child to speak, as well as people you and the other parent have asked to testify. This can include family members, friends, co-workers, the child's teachers, and anyone else who has witnessed your parenting and can claim that you are a good parent.
  • Final Decision: Once everyone has presented their arguments and answered the judge's questions, the judge will make an immediate decision. Their decision will be based on a number of other factors as well, including the child's best interest, the relationship between the parent and child, the child's age and needs, and so on. The judge's decision will include: who is the custodial parent, who is the non-custodial parent, and when/if the non-custodial parent is entitled to visitation.

Consider Hiring a Child Custody Attorney

A child custody attorney will be able to provide you with necessary information about court proceedings, what a judge will evaluate during the proceedings, and can instruct you on how to prepare. Gray and Brigman PLLC is here to help with child custody cases and other family law legal matters in Midland and San Angelo, TX. Contact our divorce and child custody lawyers today for more information.

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