Mistakes Men Make Regarding Custody in Court

There are several mistakes men make regarding a custody court battle.  Understanding these mistakes is important so you can avoid making them and so you can secure more time with your children.

Mistakes Men Make Regarding Custody in Court

Quite possibly the most colossal mistake that a man can make regarding a custody case is to fail to respond to legal actions.  Whether you are served via certified mail or a process server, it is imperative to respond to legal documentation sent to you.  Failure to do so will cause you to possibly lose most if not all custodial rights in court.  It shows that you are irresponsible.  Additionally, a default judgment will be finalized as a result of your failure to respond to being served or contacted.

Another big mistake that men make is taking bad legal advice.  Instead of seeking out the legal advice and counsel of either a lawyer or family law mediator, many men prefer to take legal advice (bad legal advice) from a friend or family member.  Do not rely on their banter as a viable source for family law advice.  It has been said time and time again that family law is an ever changing thing.  You need to do your homework so you can stay abreast of all of the new statutes of limitations and amendments that may be in progress.  Additionally, taking legal advice from a friend, family member, or even an non-family law attorney could prove detrimental to you in the long run.

• Never sign a settlement agreement without first consulting with a lawyer.  You may be signing off on an agreement that you do not agree to, and if that is the case, rarely can it be reversed.  You should definitely consult an attorney before signing off on anything.
• Never avoid paying your child support especially if you were ordered to do so, and you agreed to do this.  First of all, failure to pay child support has now become a criminal offense.  Once the child support order has be passed down by a judge, then you are required to pay a certain amount.  Failure to do so could result in incarceration.
• Do not harass your ex-wife or ex-girl at all.  Sometimes men can go through an emotional breakdown which results in them acting in a manner or saying something that is both incriminating and detrimental.

Remember, if you do your homework and keep your emotions at bay, you could have a smoother custody hearing.  Stay responsible and professional and you will get through it and come out a winner.

Getting Help

When trying to go it alone, it is impossible to avoid some of the mistakes men make regarding custody in court. By getting help from a qualified family law attorney, you can avoid those errors and have an expert to guide you through the divorce process.