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If you’re going through a child custody case, here’s 7 steps to help you win your case in court.

1. Identify what you want.

Sit down and write out what you want from this child custody case. Are you seeking joint custody, sole custody, or full custody of your child?

Regardless of what type of custodial arrangement you are seeking, take time to think about and jot down the reasons why you deserve what you are requesting. If you think your child’s father or mother doesn’t deserve joint custody, jot down those reasons too.

By identifying what you want and why, you can create a clear legal position that will help you achieve your legal goals.

2. Identify what’s in your child’s best interest.

In California, the judge must decide child custody cases based on the best interest of the child. It is a good exercise in objectivity to think about what this is for your child. The judge will be seeking out what is in your child’s best interest and if you can come to court with a legal position that takes this into consideration, you will be one step ahead.

3. Build a visitation plan.

What type of visitation plan will be in your child’s best interest? Take some time and write it out on paper. Whatever you come up with can become the foundation for building a good visitation plan for your child.

4. Build a legal team.

Whose on your legal team? Do you have a good lawyer who can defend your legal rights in court?

In a child custody case, it’s best to have a lawyer on your side. For those of you who are contemplating using only a paralegal or legal document preparer, think again. While, it’s better to obtain
legal assistance than none at all, it’s best in a child custody case to have a skilled lawyer who can protect your rights and fight for what’s in your child’s best interest.

5. Prepare for a child custody evaluation.

If the judge orders a child custody evaluation in your case, take time to prepare for it. A good question to ask yourself is do you have a good, healthy relationship with your child. As you evaluate your relationship with your child, keep what’s working and work on the areas that need improvement. You may find you need to work on communication, a bedtime schedule, or even good eating habits.

In some child custody cases, a child custody evaluator will make a home visit. If that occurs, take time to think about does your home look clean and organized. Do you have any family pictures on the wall? Also, ask yourself if your child’s bedroom looks clean and organized. If so, great. If not, take some time to clean, organize and hang some pictures.

6. Prepare your legal position.

If you have a lawyer, he or she will prepare your legal position. If not, you will need to identify the legal arguments applicable to your case and gather the evidence required to support those legal arguments.

You know your child better than anyone else so talk with your lawyer, if you have one, about what makes your child unique and what is in your child’s best interest.

7. Pray.

Pray for peace of mind and blessings!