Avoid These Three Simple Mistakes in Your Illinois Custody Dispute

 Posted on December 07, 2021 in Family Law Blog

Parents frequently disagree about issues related to the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time during their divorce. When parents cannot reach an agreement or create a parenting plan, mediators or a collaborative divorce team may be able to help. However, if other methods fail or if a case is extremely contentious, parents may end up litigating their custody dispute in an Illinois family law court. Although there is no failsafe way for a parent to ensure they get what they want in a court hearing, there are certain mistakes that parents should try to avoid.

Sharing Details of the Dispute on Social Media

Nearly everyone uses social media, but during a contentious divorce, putting too many details on social media accounts can have negative consequences. Even with the most private account settings, information can be obtained and used as evidence in court. Trash-talking the other parent, posting pictures of late-night parties, and even photos of fun but risky behaviors with children may be used to try to prove lack of parental fitness in court. When in doubt, less is more when it comes to social media use.

Trying to Get Revenge on an Ex

Parents who use court disputes to hash out resentments over their relationship issues look petty, mean, and even potentially uninterested in what is best for their children. Although spouses may have very good reasons for disliking each other once a divorce has begun, allowing that bitterness to influence negotiations over the children will get in the way of discovering and pursuing the children’s best interests. Judges have seen many parents arguing over their children, and can tell when one spouse is trying to get back at the other. Save frustrations with a spouse for a therapist and use the court to find a good solution for the children.

Exposing Children to Parental Conflict

Children suffer when parents use them as weapons in their conflict. Children should be kept out of personal and legal conflicts and should never be a listening ear for parental grievances. Parents should also never try to alienate each other from their children, criticize each other to the children, or use the children as messengers when they cannot communicate effectively. If a judge discovers parents engaging in these behaviors, it could negatively influence court proceedings.

Schedule a Consultation with a DuPage County Parenting Time Lawyer

At A. Traub & Associates, we know how important your relationship with your child is for you both. That is why our Wheaton, IL parental responsibilities attorneys will work zealously to represent you and do everything in our power to position you for a favorable outcome in your child custody case. To learn more about your options and find out how we can help you, call our offices today to schedule an initial consultation at 630-426-0196.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+VI&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8675000&SeqEnd=12200000