Common Mistakes During a Child Custody Case

 Posted on April 05, 2024 in Child Custody / Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Going through a divorce or child custody dispute can be trying. It is normal to feel frustrated and fearful of losing time with your children. However, it is important to act with great care while your case is open. Making a mistake while you are in the midst of a child custody case can lead to a less favorable result. It is important to speak with your Naperville, IL child custody attorney about what steps you can and cannot take as your case is pending. While it can be tempting to take steps like refusing to drop off your children with their other parent during a heated custody battle or teaching your children what to say, these errors could have a serious impact on your future parenting plan.

Mistakes to Avoid While Your Parenting Plan Is in Progress

If your child custody case is still pending, it is important that you do not:

• Coach your children - A parent who desperately wants more parenting time may try to train their children to say certain things when they are interviewed by a Guardian ad Litem or questioned by a judge. It is normally quite apparent to trained professionals when a parent has taught their child what to say. 
• Make false allegations - It may be tempting to claim that the other parent has abused or endangered your children to gain an advantage in a contested custody case. However, the truth is very likely to come out, making you appear dishonest.
• Disparage the other parent to the children - One of the factors the court will consider is your willingness to facilitate a relationship between your children and their other parent. Disparaging the other parent may not work in your favor. 
• Disobey temporary orders - Even if the other parent has disobeyed a temporary parenting time order, it is important that you follow these orders. The court will address the other parent’s disobedience. You will only make things worse by refusing to turn over your children to their other parent when you are ordered to. 
• Bribe the children - Some parents will promise their children presents or privileges in exchange for telling the court they want to stay with that parent. The court will probably find out that you told your children you would take them to Disney World if they say they want to live with you. This will likely reflect poorly on your parenting skills. 

It is important to discuss your plans with your attorney before taking any steps to improve your chances of getting more parenting time.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Parenting Plans Attorney

Calabrese Associates, P.C. is dedicated to helping parents who are involved in a high-conflict child custody dispute. Our experienced Naperville, IL parenting plan lawyers will strive to maximize your parental rights and help you avoid potentially serious mistakes. Contact us at 630-393-3111 for a confidential consultation.