Indianapolis Child Custody Attorney Shares Tips on Preparing for Custody Hearings

Going through a child custody case and preparing for a custody hearing in Indianapolis is an important and meticulous task. Being well-prepared for the hearing ahead of time is a fundamental task in securing your child’s best future. There certainly are times when parents can reach agreements outside of a courtroom, but if that is not possible in your situation, you must do your due diligence and be as prepared as can be for your child’s custody hearing.

Familiarize yourself with your state’s custody laws.

Do the research and consider consulting with a family law attorney on the legal processes and procedures when going through a custody battle. Educating yourself will only provide you with a deeper understanding of the law and will give you the leverage needed to understand the proceedings and rules of the court, so you can give yourself and your child the most positive outcome possible. Weigh out the options between representing yourself “pro se” and hiring an experienced legal counsel to help with your custody hearing. Having an insight into the legal do’s and don’ts may be the difference you need for a favorable outcome.

Set a goal for the custody hearing.

Know if you’re seeking out sole physical or legal custody, joint custody, visitation, parenting time, or something else. When it comes to your child and protecting their interests and their future, it can be tough to set just one goal and emotions can run high. It’s helpful to remember to channel your strength towards strategic preparation for the hearing. If you’ve chosen to use the legal assistance of an attorney, help your lawyer gather useful information to present during court and stay focused on your ultimate goal: gaining custody of your child. You are fighting for your child and you need to show the judge that your kids will have the best chance of living in a nurturing, stable and prosperous home environment with you.

Adequately prepare for court.

Prepare any relevant documentation that will help show the court you should be awarded custody. This means showing that you are a responsible and reliable parent and abide by any current visitation rules that may be in place. Proving that you can readily provide healthcare, food, pay for education expenses, and give a safe home to the child is essential. Relevant documents can include an array of different exhibits, such as communication between the parents in the form of emails, text messages, photos of parent with the child, medical records, social media posts of parents, calendars showing parenting involvement and more. This is all typically used to show one parent in a more favorable light than the other, so keep in mind that both parties can provide the court with evidence and be prepared accordingly.

Know courtroom etiquette.

It is exceptionally important to be respectful to the judge and abide by the court’s rules. Remember not to talk out of turn, speak clearly and concisely, wear business clothing and appear professional. This is often overlooked and simply not known by people that haven’t been in court before. If you have any questions regarding courtroom rules, procedures or appropriate attire you can check with your attorney for the most sound advice. Courtroom etiquette and rules still apply to you and there are no exceptions, even if you have retained counsel to represent you.

Have realistic expectations and be prepared for the judge’s ruling.

Have a plan, remember to keep your goals in sight and keep your expectations reasonable, as there are countless factors taken into account before a judge makes a decision on a family law case. There are certain considerations that will sway a judge’s decision during a hearing, including pertinent information from previous hearings, and each party’s presentation, from evidence and exhibits to appearance and etiquette. Be prepared for a win and be prepared for a compromise as well. The judge will make their ruling following the hearing, although remember sometimes this may be an immediate ruling, and other times the judge may take time to weigh their verdict, this can vary between a few hours or even several days.

By demonstrating your commitment and presenting a strong case, you only increase the chances of achieving your custody goals and securing your child’s future. If you wish to consult an experienced family law attorney about your case, contact our office to schedule a legal consultation. Contact us online at Contact Us | The Law Offices of Eugene Mogilevsky (egmlegal.com) or call us at (317) 743-7958.