How to Begin the Process of Child Custody for Mothers

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By LeslieG5
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Get Child Custody Information for Mothers

A list of what to do to get started in your child custody proceedings and keep your head about you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Small Journal, list of phone numbers for Lawyer, teachers, counselors, clergy, court clerk, pro se office.

Step 1

• Get a small journal. One that you can keep in your purse or your car. Write down daily events, lawyer appointment, papers you have filed, court dates, conversations with dad, Doctor Appointments for you and the kids ect...
Step 2

• Interview lawyers. Pick one who makes you feel comfortable. Ask him/her about their experience in custody cases. How often he/she wins or loses. If you are uneasy or feel like they are not really "there for you", do not go with them.
Step 3

• Do what your lawyer tells you: You are not a lawyer. If you were, you would not be reading this. I do not mean follow blindly. If you have questions, ASK. It is not likely that this is your lawyers' first case. It is likely however, that it is your first custody battle. Your lawyer has experience with judges, other lawyers, mediators, court clerks, you get where I'm going here. If you are not going to do what he/she tells you than you are throwing your money away and jeopardizing your case.
Step 4

• Sit Down with the Kids. The little ones won't really understand but explain to them what's going on. Explain the new living situation. What might become permanent, and how visitation will work. Encourage visitation even if the children do not want it. Under no circumstances do you talk bad about dad. I know you are having a hard time and what Dave is doing is devastating but keep as hard as it is keep your angry feelings to yourself. You are the grown-up here.
Step 5

• Keep your nose clean: Keep socializing to a minimum. You are not suddenly free to paint the town red. Your behavior will be closely monitored. Do not do anything that you will have to explain later.
Step 6

• Stay off the internet: Keeping in touch with friends and classmates on line is one thing. Pull anything off the internet that might be construed as inappropriate. Once again, you do not want anything that you will have to explain later.

Comments

3CMom said

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on 12/22/2008 Great advice, I love the no bad mouthing dad tip. Thanks.

on 12/22/2008 Really sound advice and tips. My heart goes out to people in this situation. I have six children. I believe this well-written article will help many do the right thing and be better prepared for the ordeal. Please write more good articles like this one.
Michael