How to Win a Custody Battle Without a Lawyer
Although there are no guaranteed methods for winning a child custody case, you can increase your chance of success by following current orders, keeping detailed records, learning laws and court procedure, filing written responses and preparing for court.
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Instructions
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Abide by current court orders while you prepare for your custody case, even if you disagree with them. This will show the judge that you are willing to follow written orders while waiting for your hearing.
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Keep detailed records of all visits and calls with your child; write them on a calendar or day planner to create a written record for your hearing. If you have any problems with the other parent, such as his or her being late for visits or not allowing visits, be sure to write them down.
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Learn your state's current child custody laws by accessing your state's legislature website. You can also visit a law library or Legal Aid office, where you can read about the law, find copies of motions or forms, ask questions and learn about successful custody cases.
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Learn local court rules and procedure. Each court has its own rules and procedure for custody cases. Click on the link below to find the rules for your court.
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Participate in all evaluations. As part of a child custody case, there may be psychological, social and home evaluations. If the court orders any evaluations for your case, be sure to be available and complete the process. This will help your case move forward quickly and show the judge you are willing to cooperate.
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Respond to written motions and requests. Judges must have motions and responses in writing to consider them in your hearing. Double-check all filing dates for responses, motions and requests; be sure to file written responses on time.
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Submit exhibits to the court. In most custody cases, there are "exhibits" or evidence for the judge to consider. This can include copies of bills, bank statements, letters, pictures, phone records and videos. Ask the court clerk when exhibits are due; submit copies of all exhibits to the court and the other parent (or his or her attorney).
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Prepare for court. A week before the hearing, gather all evidence, exhibits, motions, laws and rules. Write a short summary of your case to read aloud in court, along with key points to remember. Carefully organize all items so you will be able to find them quickly. Hearings are usually 30 to 60 minutes long, so preparation is essential to presenting your case efficiently. The day before your hearing, practice your presentation in front of a close friend or a mirror.
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Attend your hearing. Bring all evidence and exhibits, motions, responses and your notes. Dress appropriately; business attire is preferred. Speak clearly, follow all court rules and be sure to address the judge as "Your Honor."
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Tips & Warnings
Learn as much as you can about custody laws, cases and procedures. The more you know, the more comfortable you will be in court.
Encourage your child to love and respect the other parent.
Never ridicule, berate, belittle or denigrate the other parent in front of your child. This behavior could harm your child or cause you to lose your custody case.
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Comments
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if I were you mom..I owuld find a good picture of them..you have obvilusly done some things that exclude you from favor.
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hollym333
Jan 18, 2010
what chances do I have as a mother in obtaining custody of our 4 children, after not contacting their teachers, and day care worker. they have used this in court against me, and I can't even begin to tell the details of the access issues I have had. Two of the guardians are teachers, and have made it extremely hard for me to contact my kids. All of their teachers have written statements saying they never heard from me which were presented to the judge on the 5th of Jan. They are in four sep houses with my ex's Siblings and have been since last May, 2009. I have been denied access on several occassions due to the family hating on me. I am an excellent mother and the am currently looking into renting a 5 bedroom house in our town. Their father has just graduated from RCMP and also wants to move them to another province 6 hrs away, while I want them here with me and my partner, who has ...
