With divorces comes division, and if you add children into the mix, it can be even more complicated and heartbreaking. Here are some common questions that are asked in a child custody hearing which your family attorney should prepare you for.

Relationship Between The Parents

This is a very important question that’s asked when you’re going through the procedure of getting custody of your child after or during divorce. A sole custody case is different from a co-parenting case. If the relationship between the parents is not good to carry on co-parenting their child, then a sole custody case is filed by one of the parents.

This is why it is the first question asked in a child custody case because the judge wants to know the reason why you’re going for a sole custody case, rather than co-parenting. If it’s something that can be resolved, then it should.

Your Financial Situation

Having custody of your child is not easy, emotionally, physically, and financially. This is why the court wants to know your financial situation and whether or not you are even able to provide for your child alone. Usually, the parent with a better and more stable financial situation will be given custody of the child.

This is important because the last thing the judge wants is to hand over a growing child to a struggling parent, who is not able to make ends meet. That is like overcrowding your plate and shoveling more responsibility on yourself. The court needs to have a better picture of your living and financial situation.

Type Of Agreement

There are mainly two types of agreements you can choose from. One is sole custody of the child, where the other parent is not involved in the life of the child at all, whereas the other option is joint custody, where both parents come to a mutual agreement as to how to manage the kids in their own times.

Usually, joint custody is preferred by the court, because it is a less financial burden to one parent, but it also needs to be made sure that both parents are on good terms and neither of them has any ill will.

Presence Of Informal Arrangements

It’s very important to lay down all types of divorce and custody agreements you had with the parent of the child before going to court. The court needs to know whether the parents had an informal agreement beforehand because the case needs to be as straightforward as possible.

There can be cases where the other parent after the custody has been granted, files a complaint against the custody-bearing parent that there was some other agreement that was done outside of court. So, these things need to be made clear, otherwise, the judge will not be able to come to a decision.

Relationship With Your Child

This is extremely important to know as well. Your relationship with your child will strengthen the case. If one parent is being neglectful and abusive towards the child, then the court should know this as well, because the last thing you want is for your child to be handed over to the parent which will not be able to take care of the child.

That’s why you need to let the court know about the relationship between you and your child, as this will be more convincing in the eyes of the law.

Your Pivotal Role In The Child’s Life

Last but not least, you also need to state your role in the life of your child. Whether you are responsible for the child’s financial needs, you are aiding their health care, you are responsible for their education, overall well-being, and mental health, everything needs to be put on the table.

The court will take it from here and try to come up with a decision that won’t hinder the child’s life too much, by giving custody to the parent which is making sure that their child gets everything in their life.

Conclusion

There you have it! These things are important to know if you are filing a case for your child’s custody. This will help you to be prepared. Consult your divorce lawyer Fairfax VA to discuss your case and create a strategy.

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