If you and your spouse have had children together and decide to get a divorce in California, you will need to make some agreements about how your children will be cared for. Some of the angles you will need to explore include the best interests of your children, the location of where you and your soon-to-be-ex will be living, and the current relationships your children have with both you and your spouse.
Regardless of whether or not you and your spouse are pursuing a joint custody agreement or you are vying for sole custody, the better prepared you are when you arrive at a child custody hearing, the more confidently you may be able to present your desires and negotiate your terms without giving up too much of what you wish for your children.
According to verywellfamily.com, some of the things that you can do to boost your preparation for a child custody hearing include the following:
- Become accustomed to general courtroom etiquette so you can present your arguments with civility, respect and kindness.
- Familiarize yourself with the child custody laws that may affect your case.
- Dress appropriately for the occasion so you can feel confident about yourself and your efforts.
- Have an idea of what the hearing will entail and be prepared with negotiating tactics to boost your case if the discussion becomes heated.
- Have important information about your children documented and organized for accessibility. Make sure you take these documents with you to all child custody appointments.
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.