Child Custody: Make Sure You Do Your Homework

Copyright (c) 2010 Lucille Uttermohlen

Learn as much as you can about your kids if you want custody. The judge needs to know that you are a daily participant in their lives. You should know who cares for them, and what they need. . Here are some of the places you can get information.

1. School:

If you know anything about your child’s accademic career, you should know who is teaching him. You should know what grades he is getting, and what was said at the last parent / teacher meeting. You should also be familiar with the scheduling of school programs and field trips in which your child is involved.

Parents who say their kids’ education is important to them often go to court with no idea who is teaching them, or even what grade they are in. You should always have copies of their report cards and teacher evaluations if you want to convince the judge that you are on top of their school activities. Make a point of understanding any recommendations the teacher may have, and be able to talk about plans to get the testing or counseling your child may need.

2. Your child’s health

Does your child have medical problems? If so, how is she being treated? Do you know who her doctor is? Do you know what to expect when he gets older? What medicines and therapy is she getting?

Knowing your child has asthma and that he takes 100 milligrams of “XX” 3 times a day is more convincing than “sometimes he has trouble breathing. I don’t know what is wrong with him, but he does take medicine for it”.

3. Babysitters

Not only should you know who provides child care for your family, but you should know where the care center is located, and how your child is doing when he is there. Does he get along with the other children? Does he like the day care teacher? Who are her friends? What does she like to do while she is there?

4. Likes And Dislikes

What foods does he like? What does he hate? What videos does she watch? What clothes does he wear? Who does she admire and pretend to be?

e to eat? How many meals and snacks a day do you prepare? Does she have a good appetite? What kind

5. important People

Does your little girl bake cookies with a special aunt? Is your boy an avid fisherman? Are you going to be able to provide time for these activities to continue? Can you keep his play dates? Do you know his friends and their parents? Are you friends or at least friendly acquaintences with them?

There are many things about children that only their parents know. A stranger can’t guess what makes a child feel happy and secure, or what makes him scared or sad. The judge cannot get to know your child in any meaningful way. If you can’t show that you are more familiar with him than casual care takers, the court will have a harder time believing that it is in the child’s best interest to be trusted to you full time.

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Article Source: Child Custody: Make Sure You Do Your Homework

Original: Divorce Advice For Men