27 Nov 2023
Family Law
Whether as part of a divorce or after establishing paternity, a child custody hearing can be stressful. A third party is deciding what rights you and your ex-partner have over your children.
As stressful as it can be, being prepared can help relieve some of the anxiety. In this blog, we will provide some tips and advice from our experienced family law attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC to help you prepare for your child custody hearing.
Understanding Child Custody Hearings
A child custody hearing is a legal process where a judge makes decisions on who will have physical and legal custody of a child. These hearings typically occur during divorce proceedings or when there are disputes between unmarried parents. During a child custody hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present their case and provide evidence in support of their desired outcome. The judge will consider factors such as the child's best interests, each parent's ability to care for the child, and any existing custody arrangements before making the final decision.Tips for Preparing for a Child Custody Hearing
#1. Hire an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Navigating a child custody hearing can be complex and emotionally charged. Having a knowledgeable and skilled family law attorney by your side can make all the difference. We will be able to guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and help you present a strong case.#2. Gather Evidence
As mentioned earlier, evidence is crucial in a child custody hearing. This can include:- Financial statements
- School records of the children
- Medical records of the children
- Any previous court orders
- Hearsay
- Illegally obtained documents (such as the other parent’s medical records)
- Unauthenticated videos or photos (this requires the person who took the video and/or photos to testify)