3 Things Not to Do During a Custody Trial in Illinois

 Posted on May 30, 2024 in Child Custody

Couples who file for divorce and disagree on certain issues like child custody are usually ordered by a court to attend mediation. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where many couples are able to resolve their differences outside of court.

But sometimes, mediation is not appropriate or fails to achieve the desired result. In that case, the couple proceeds to litigation, where they fight their dispute out in court. Court battles are costly and can be messy, which is why it is important to have an experienced child custody attorney representing you.

The right attorney will coach you on the do’s and don’ts of litigation. Here are three things to avoid doing in a custody trial in Illinois.

Disparaging the Other Parent

Emotions usually run highest in disagreements over children. Custody battles, therefore, often become hostile. You may be tempted to disparage the other parent in court or on social media. But doing so can reflect poorly on you. The court is looking to see which parent is most aligned with the child’s best interests. If a judge gets the sense that you are vindictive and might alienate the child from his or her other parent, that can help the case swing in the other parent’s favor.

Showing Up to Court Unprepared

Another mistake to avoid is showing up to court unprepared. Here are some ways to prepare for your trial:

• Submit a strong parenting plan. A parenting plan is a document that details how you plan to parent your child after divorce. Make sure your parenting plan shows you are prepared to do whatever is necessary to help your child thrive.

• Prepare your remarks. If you are going to speak in front of the judge, make sure you plan what you have to say. Your statements should be direct, concise, and respectful.

• Gather evidence to support your claims. If you are trying to convince the court that your co-parent is a danger to the child’s well-being, make sure you have strong evidence to show that.

Your child custody attorney will coach you on how to prepare for court.

Failing to Retain Proper Counsel

While you are not required to hire an attorney to represent you, most parents do. However, there are good lawyers and incompetent lawyers. Some lawyers are inexperienced and are themselves not prepared for court, let alone able to prepare you for your court appearance.

Contact a Batavia, IL Child Custody Lawyer

A competent and experienced Kane County, Illinois child custody attorney can make all the difference in your child custody case. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., your child’s well-being will be my focus and I will use my many years of family law experience to get you the best result possible. Call 630-409-8184 for a consultation with an aggressive, compassionate attorney today.