list of what to take to a custody lawyer

^{The most common types of evidence in child custody cases include:}

1. All communication with your child’s other parent, such as emails, text messages, voicemails, and letters
2. Journals
3. Photographs
4. Videos
5. Audio Recordings
6. Schedules – including any times your child’s other parent had to cancel or reschedule visitation
7. Records – including medical, school-related, financial, and police reports.
8. Social Media Posts

How do I prepare for a child custody case?

Make a list of your bargaining chips. Decide if you should start negotiating with your ex-spouse or ex-partner to work out a temporary custody plan and then possibly settle the case. If you can't work out a plan with your child's other parent, prepare for court. Find out what criteria your local family court looks at when awarding custody.

How can a child custody attorney help my case?

An experienced and skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and help you prepare for the custody claim. The attorney you hire can also negotiate on your behalf with the other parent. Even if you can decide on custody amicably, your attorney will help you with the paperwork and filing for the case.

How do I start a custody case without an attorney?

All custody proceedings begin with written submissions to the court outlining your position and clearly stating what you're asking the court to order. If you're beginning a custody suit and acting without an attorney, it's usually a good idea to include copies of any documentation you gather as supporting proof...

How do I write a draft custody plan?

Make a list of the negotiable points in your draft custody plan (it's fine to give this to your attorney, but you shouldn't let the other side know what your negotiable points are). Make a list of your bargaining chips.

How do you fight dirty in a custody battle?

Examples of Dirty Tricks for Custody BattleClean out bank accounts and/or max out credit cards.Get a restraining order against their spouse on false or trumped-up allegations.Making a false claim against the other spouse for physical abuse on the spouse and/or the children.More items...

How do you win a custody battle against a narcissist?

How Do You Win a Custody Case Against a Narcissist? Follow These 9 Steps#1 Remember That You Are Dealing With a Narcissist. ... #2 Take Note of Everything That Happens. ... #3 Stop or Limit Communication. ... #4 Contact Law Enforcement. ... #5 Use Witness Evidence. ... #6 Ensure Your Physical Safety. ... #8 Continue Being Dependable.More items...•

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

The child's age, gender, characteristics and background will all be a factor in the decision process. The judge or magistrate will want to ensure that the child is safe from any possible harm and the parent has the ability to meet the child's needs.

Do judges recognize a narcissist?

Though virtually all judges have dealt with NPD's, many judges may not know the difficult person before their bench in custody court is an NPD, and most judges do not understand the disorder well enough to make effective interventions to curtail the abuses that the NPD perpetrates on everyone in their life, including ...

How to prepare for custody dispute?

There are many items to think about and consider as you prepare for a custody dispute. But the absolute first step is to hire the right lawyer , with the right experience, knowledge and training - specifically in custody matters. There are lots of divorce attorneys out there, but they don't all have the same experience in custody issues.

How to start a custody motion?

List the strengths in your present position from the view of the judge, including your job, finances, any help from your parents. List the strengths of the other person in his or her present position. Decide if you should be the first to initiate the custody suit or motion.

What is the first step in a custody dispute?

But the absolute first step is to hire the right lawyer , with the right experience, knowledge and training - specifically in custody matters.

How to get a lawyer to bribe my child?

Make a list of the other person's estimated future income. Write down any special earnings potential of the other person. Decide if your child is being bribed. If yes, decide on a course of action to counteract these bribes. Make a list, by subject, of the important things you have not told your lawyer.

Do divorce lawyers have custody?

There are lots of divorce attorneys out there, but they don't all have the same experience in custody issues. Some divorce attorneys actually avoid custody altogether. Hiring the right custody lawyer is probably the most important action you can take.

What to include when your child is injured?

Your Child's Records. Consider including your child's report cards and other written documentation from others showing how well they have done while in your care—or vice versa. If your child is repeatedly injured while in their other parent's care, including doctor reports and emergency treatment records.

What is written submission to court?

All custody proceedings begin with written submissions to the court outlining your position and clearly stating what you're asking the court to order.

What is a non-custodial parent?

A non-custodial parent who's trying to get custody can utilize this information in court to prove a continuous and meaningful relationship with the child. A custodial parent might use a log of visitation schedules to prove the lack of a continuous relationship between the child and the child's other parent.

Can a judge review a child's custody papers?

You must receive a copy of the paperwork they gave the court—that's the law. Read it over carefully.

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Gathering Documents to Show to a Child Custody Attorney

The child custody attorneys will find it helpful if you bring several documents with you, such as:

Questions to Ask

It's helpful to collect your thoughts before you head out to your first initial consultation with a child custody attorney. Write them down on paper and bring them with you. You don't want to forget to ask something. Also bring some writing material so that you can jot down the answers.

Your Ideal Child Custody Lawyer

It is a worthwhile practice to consider what qualities your ideal child custody lawyer would have. That way, you'll recognize the right one when you meet. Here are some qualities to consider: