How to Successfully Appeal a Child Custody Verdict
Winning custody of your child means you have the right to determine educational, religious and other issues that might affect their lives. Child custody is generally determined by the lower courts in the state in which the child is a resident. When the courts decide to give custody to one parent, you have the right to appeal the verdict with a higher court. There are some things you can do to win your case and successfully appeal a child custody verdict.
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Instructions
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Retain an appellate attorney. Because they have specific experience in filing appeals, they might be more effective than regular council might. You can find a qualified appellate lawyer in your state by looking in the State Lawyers Directory.
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Clean up your living situation. Make sure you are living in a safe and child friendly environment to increase your chances of winning a child custody appeal. Modify your work schedule and find adequate childcare services as well. Be ready to prove you have a stable home environment in which you can provide for your child.
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Prove a change of circumstances such as an increase in income or better living circumstances. In addition, be prepared with any information that may show a changes in the custodial parent's living arrangements that might adversely affect your child.
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Ask the child for their opinion. Some states may accept the input of a child depending on their age and maturity. If your child has a strong reason for wanting to live with you, ask that their testimony be heard during a child custody appeal.
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Get expert testimony to back up your reasoning for wanting to obtain child custody. If the reason for losing custody is for mental incapacity, drug addiction or illness, have an expert give an opinion on how these circumstances have changed to strengthen your appeal. In addition, expert testimony may help prove the existing custodial parent has some sort issue that may interfere with raising a child.
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References
- Photo Credit Child image by Serenitie from Fotolia.com
