Are you concerned about protecting your right to co-parent in a Louisville divorce? Generally speaking our Family Courts believe it is better for the child to spend equal amounts of quality time with each parent during and after a divorce. However, there are actions and lack of action you can display which can actually harm your child custody and parenting time goals in a divorce.
The Court’s first priority and guiding principle is the best interest of the child. Everything will be viewed in that light.
Remain active and involved in your child(ren)’s lives: If you are concerned about protecting your right to co-parent in a Louisville divorce the first thing you must do is remain present and actively involved in your child’s life. This isn’t just about food, clothing and shelter. You need to know everything about and be actively involved in every aspect of your child’s life.
Does the child require medication(s)? You should know all medications your child is required to take as well as the dosage and the frequency. Continue to help with daily homework, transportation to and from school, religious practice and extra-curricular activities. This is especially true if you intend to or have moved out of the family home.
(Note: You should not move out of the family home without consulting the divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd ahead of time. You have too much to lose.)
Keep every communication between you and your former spouse as civil or at least neutral as possible: You should assume that every text or email you write, every voicemail you leave and every social media post you make will be shown to the Court and become of part of the public record your family, neighbors, nosy acquaintances and even children can access and read.
Carefully consider everything you say before you say it and everything you write before you hit “send.” Your former spouse’s attorneys will present every piece of evidence they can to demonstrate your lack of fitness as a co-parent. Don’t provide them with any ammunition they can use against you. In fact, with the guidance of your Dodd & Dodd legal team you can establish a pattern of behavior and communications which clearly demonstrates to the Court your ability and preparedness to co-parent.
(Note: ask our team about the importance of carefully managing any mention or introduction of a new person of interest throughout the course of your divorce.)
Be mindful of aggressive actions, abuse or addictions: The Judge in your case will analyze every aspect of your past behavior. Any hint of domestic violence (emotional or physical), addictions, alcohol abuse or criminal convictions (such as a DUI) can damage your credibility as a co-parent.
If you are concerned about protecting your right to co-parent in a Louisville divorce you must not only comport yourself in a positive manner you might need to rehabilitate some aspect of your life. This is why it is important to seek the skilled representation of the Divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd.
We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and contact us or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys.
