Co-parent drama is always a headache, but things can get even more stressful if the other parent doesn't let you see your kid. It's easier said than done, but in situations like these, it's best to stay composed instead of making a big fuss and creating a bigger issue.
First, it's important to understand your rights regarding child custody in your state/county and be informed of any legal steps you can take.
Over the last 35 years, Borell Law has seen all different types of child custody disputes in Florida & Texas. If you haven't been able to see your kid because of the co-parent, here are the best tips we can give you.
Tensions are already running high in child custody disputes, if the co-parent isn't letting you see your kid, try being the bigger person and communicating calmly. It's always best to keep your lines of communication through email, text, or any method where you can clearly document the conversation. If the co-parent is ignoring your efforts to communicate, that should also be documented.
We can't stress how important it is to keep your cool. You should never yell, insult, or threaten the other person. If you say the wrong thing "in the heat of the moment" it could really harm your case.
If you're in a child custody dispute and you’re not being given time to see your child, having proof is crucial. Text messages, emails, voicemails, and any other documented interactions can significantly influence the court's decision. Detailed records will strengthen your case and demonstrate your commitment to your child's well-being.
As stated before, keeping your composure is extremely important, especially in documented forms of communication. Remember, all these things can show up in court, so you might as well act as if every communication will be scrutinized by the judge ruling on your case.
You should always try to communicate with your child and maintain as healthy a relationship as possible. A situation like this is stressful for anyone involved and it’s a shame that innocent children get caught in the middle of custody disputes all the time. Take time to check in on their mental health and try to help with some of the stress they have been dealing with by being there for them when possible.
If the co-parent cuts off text communication or emails with your child, make sure you document these incidents.
Hiring an attorney doesn't necessarily mean you'll go to court, but an experienced family law attorney will provide the legal advice you need, guide you through mediation, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court, if necessary.
More importantly, a strong family law attorney will give you peace of mind, ensuring you have the best odds of the case going in your favor.
In states like Florida & Texas, there will be a lot of lawyers and law firms to pick from. Do thorough research especially in big counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Sarasota, Duval, and Dallas.
If the other parent is still being difficult and not letting you see your child, then take them to court! If you've followed these tips, then you've taken all the right measures to have the upper hand in the courtroom. With strong legal representation and clear documentation, you’ll have a great case in court.
If your case goes to court, the final decision on custody rights and visitation rights will come down to the best interest of the child. The court will use several factors in their decision such as: the child’s needs, their preference, relationship with each parent, and each parent’s ability to care for the child.
If the court does not deem you fit to have custody or visitation rights, no lawyer in the world will be able to turn around your situation. So, above all tips, the best advice we can give you is to be the best parent you can be for your child no matter the circumstances.
If your co-parent moves without telling you, especially if it affects your custody or visitation schedule, this may violate your custody agreement. Document the move and contact an attorney immediately to take legal action.
Parental alienation is a serious issue. If your co-parent is speaking negatively about you or discouraging your relationship with your child, document these behaviors and share them with your attorney.
This may be considered a violation of your custody agreement. Contact a lawyer immediately to explore your legal options, including filing for a modification of the custody order or seeking an emergency court order to return the child.
No. Child support and visitation rights are treated separately by the court. You are legally required to continue paying child support, even if your co-parent is withholding visitation. Stopping payments could result in legal penalties. Two wrongs don’t make a right and doing any sort of retaliation won’t look good for you in front of a judge.
While it’s possible to handle some custody disputes without an attorney, having an experienced family law attorney can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. They can provide legal advice, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
Not sure where to begin with your child custody issues? Call Borell Law. With over 35 years of trusted experience in counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange County, Sarasota, and Dallas, our family law attorneys have successfully handled more than 15,000 cases. Let our expertise guide you through this challenging time.
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