If you are currently facing a custody battle, you’re probably feeling a plethora of fears and anxieties. This fear is completely normal, but overcoming it can help you to prioritize your child’s best interests. Here are the 3 most common custody dispute fears and how to overcome them.
The Judges Will Not Have My Child’s Best Interest At Heart
It is important to understand that family court judges chose the path they did because they care greatly about child welfare. A judge’s biggest priority in any case is making sure that the child will be safe, happy, and cared for. When you meet the judge, remind yourself that he or she is there to protect your child, and that you are ultimately on the same team in your desire for the child’s best interests to be put first.
The Other Parent Will Say Terrible Things About Me
This common fear is understandable. You want to put your best foot forward in court, but what can you do if your former partner reveals all of your worst moments out of context? Rest assured that the judge has heard it all before -- many custody disputes can get nasty, and every parent has moments they aren’t proud of.
Your greatest shame likely pales in comparison to the slew of abusive and toxic parents the judge deals with regularly, and an embarrassing failure or two is not going to register in their decision making. If your opponent lies about you, calmly explain his or her misinterpretation to the judge. Walk the fine line between hostility and weakness -- you are not there to fight or be walked all over, you are there to give the judge all the information necessary to make an informed decision.
What if I Don’t Get To See My Child As Often As I Do Now?
This is perhaps the biggest fear, one that serves as an undercurrent to the others. That’s why this one is the most important to overcome. There is no sense in worrying about the outcome. You must focus on taking care of yourself and your child leading up to the court date, and take comfort in the knowledge that you have done everything you can do. Once you have a good lawyer and a plan prepared, it is essentially out of your hands, and showing anxiety will not help your case.
And if you can’t help but imagine that worst-case scenario, remember this: there are many different ways to be a good parent, and if your priority is your child, you will be a positive influence in their life in whatever way you can be.
Rozin | Golinder Law is here to assist you during this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to call our New Jersey child custody attorneys at (732) 810-0034 to discuss your child custody concerns.