How Illinois Fathers Can Prepare for Child Custody Hearings

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Child Custody

Even just a decade ago, it was uncommon for fathers to win custody of their children, rather than just having visitation rights. Partial custody was awarded in some cases and full custody was rarely awarded unless the mother was a substance abuser, physically abusive, in jail or somehow otherwise unfit to be a parent. Now, most attorneys, judges and other divorce professionals agree that children do their best when both of their parents play an active role in their children’s lives. Still, fathers may have a more difficult time gaining a majority of or even partial parenting time with their children. Here are a few tips you can use to help you win at a parenting time hearing:

Build a Strong Relationship with Your Child

When judges allocate parenting time, one of their main concerns is what custody situation would be in the child’s best interest. The judge will be examining the relationship that the child has with you and the child’s other parent, so it is important that you ensure your relationship with your child is strong. Keep in touch with your child, even when they are not in your custody. Check in with your child often and make sure that they know you are there for them whenever they need you.

Keep Your Children Out of Your Battles with Your Spouse

Child custody is one of the most contentious issues in a divorce. Though you and your spouse may be at each other’s throats, it is extremely important that you keep your child out of you and your spouse’s battles. Children often internalize parents’ conflict, so to try to avoid this, do not argue with your spouse around your child.

Control Your Emotions

Going along with the previous tip, it is also important that you keep your emotions in check. In child custody battles, your spouse and your spouse’s attorney will be looking for you to make a wrong move to use against you. Before you talk with your spouse, take a deep breath and remind yourself of the endgame -- your child. If you do not think you and your spouse can stay calm, try not to talk to them unless your attorney is present.

Make Sure You Hire a DuPage County Child Custody Attorney Who Cares About Father’s Rights

Perhaps one of the most important things you should do if you want fair parenting time with your children is making sure you are represented by a compassionate Aurora, IL child custody lawyer. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we believe that all parental relationships are equal and that children need both of their parents in their lives in order to set them up for success in later life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are concerned with your parenting time rights as a father and can help you fight for a parenting time schedule that you are happy with. Call our office today at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/child-custody-tips-for-fathers-2997873

https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/10-tips-for-surviving-custody-battles-experienced-fathers/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/custody-battles-the-top-five-things-dad_n_3325686