How to Win Back Custody of Your Children – Guest Post

For any parent, losing custody of their children is heartbreaking and overwhelming news. It is tough to accept the notion that the court thinks your ex-partner, your parents, or the foster care system would be better for your children than you. However, there are actions you can take to ask the court to overturn a custody ruling. Many people have regained custody of their children. Even if regaining custody of your children is challenging, try to be proactive to speed up the process. Here are a few tips on winning back custody of your children.

Determining What Went Wrong 

Judges have a responsibility to act in the child’s best interests. Think this while deciding why the judge decided to give someone else custody. Did you disobey a command? Have you ever been falsely accused of abusing or neglecting a child? It’s crucial to put feelings aside and be open about the details of your custody dispute.

You can start addressing any adjustments you need to make to potentially reverse the judge’s ruling by first determining what variables might have contributed to his or her decision in your case. Your efforts can be aided by evidence of a significant change in the situation. When you start working with a lawyer, talk about any potential supports for your case, such as parenting classes or addiction programs. You might need to tidy up your house physically. Everything depends on the specifics of your situation.

Consult a Lawyer

You’ll probably need to deal with a lawyer who has succeeded in similar family law matters if you want to regain custody of your kids. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations if you need help finding a good child custody attorney. A lawyer may also be able to advise you on what to record regarding interactions with your children and whether you would profit from a new house inspection or appraisal. Find local family lawyers near Morton who would guide you through the process.

Examine possible outcomes

Find out if the return of custody is subject to taking any extra actions. Although changing a custody agreement may be difficult, doing so will ultimately improve your chances of obtaining your children back.

If the court has imposed any conditions on your ability to regain custody, go forward and fulfill those demands rather than contest their legality. The court will see you favorably if you comply quickly and completely.

Request an Assessment 

Ask the judge for an in-home child custody evaluation once you’ve started working with a lawyer and finished any procedures the court ordered. This inspection will give the courts a current assessment of your house, which could aid in your ability to regain custody. Additionally, you are permitted to challenge the hearing. A psychologist will probably carry out such an assessment. Depending on the specifics of your case and the child custody rules in your state, this person may concentrate on various areas of interest. Parents and kids will be subjected to psychological tests and interviews.

The parent and child, as well as any other siblings and adults living in the home, will be observed by the evaluators. What to anticipate at an in-home evaluation can be explained to you by your attorney. Present a spotless home, and be ready with your academic and medical records. Make a list of inquiries you wish to make of the assessor and make notes. Be truthful and helpful.

Observe judicial orders 

Don’t ignore any requests made by the court. Attend every hearing in person, and try not to cancel meetings with the mediator appointed by the court or your child’s guardian ad litem.

Observe the visitation guidelines that have been set forth. Follow the schedule set forth by the court. Keep pickup and drop-off times on your specified days. Make sure you comply if visits must be conducted under supervision and/or in a designated location.

Be tolerant and obedient 

Make sure you utilize all of your visiting and parenting time privileges while you wait for the reevaluation of your child custody arrangement. Instead of arguing with your child’s current caretaker while you are in their company, keep your cool. Don’t do anything to make things worse.

Think about alternate arrangements

Finally, take this opportunity to reconsider your own goals. Despite the fact that you may have initially desired sole custody, evaluate whether you might now be willing to accept shared custody in light of your loss of custody. Work with your ex-partner (or whoever you would be sharing custody with) to investigate that alternative if it’s an option for you.

Custody can be changed. It makes reasonable that experiencing child custody loss would cause anxiety and despair. You’ll be in the best position to care for your children if you work on yourself and your situation with the aid of a lawyer, therapist, or another support system.