How to Prepare for a Custody Battle

Even under the best circumstances, child custody can be heartbreaking and traumatic. If considering a custody battle, Anne Catherine Harvey is the ally you need at your side in court. As an Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA), Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, Ms. Harvey has achieved a high level of expertise providing child custody litigation services to clients in Dayton and surrounding areas.

Dayton custody fight

It is never ideal to go to court and fight for child custody. However, if you must, then prepare for what lies ahead.
Before fighting in court, make every effort to resolve custody conflicts with your ex spouse including:

• Participation in parenting classes
• Participation in dispute resolution classes
• Mediation with an experienced family law mediator

Speaking against your ex spouse to your children worsens the situation and resolves nothing. Do not do it. If your ex spouse refuses to participate in classes, consider doing them by yourself because it shows the court you are making an effort.

Document for your Dayton custody fight

If a court battle is necessary, gather evidence that shows your children’s best interests are not served by living with your ex spouse. Things to document may include:

Anything that affects your children adversely like threats, inappropriate or violent behavior, and neglect or abuse. You want to show the court your ex-spouse’s behavior may be harmful to your child.

All the time spent with your child, particularly noting broken visitation appointments or refused access to your children.

Receipts of expenditures you made in addition to support payments, especially purchases made because of your ex-spouse’s neglect.

Alarming comments your child makes that demonstrates questionable behavior of your ex spouse, such as long periods without supervision, not enough food, unknown overnight guests, and new adults who make them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Be an active participant in your child’s life. Attending school and sports events, and becoming acquainted with your child’s teachers show you to be a proactive, interested parent. If the judge is going to consider changing your custody status, he or she wants to know you can provide a stable and active involvement in your child’s life.

Contact an attorney for your Dayton custody battle

Most importantly, retain an experienced Dayton child custody attorney. Anne Catherine Harvey has considerable experience and fights for your rights in any child custody battle in Dayton. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.