Are you currently going through a divorce? Have the divorce proceedings turned ugly because both you and your spouse want full custody of the children? Fighting for child custody is a time consuming, energy draining process. In the Virginia law, the court’s ruling is determined based on what they believe is best for the child. Here are five factors judges use to help make their decisions.
1.) Is the parent gainfully employed?
A spouse who can better financially support the children has an advantage over a spouse that can barely afford to make ends meet or is completely without a job. Judges want to know the children are well provided for by the parent.
2.) Where are the children living now?
If the children are residing in the house they grew up in and feel comfortable, chances are the judge will be reluctant to order the child be moved. Disrupting children’s surroundings can cause emotional problems for the children.
3.) Which parent is more stable?
Children adapt better in environments were there is a consistent routine, structure, and stability. If a parent is unstable emotionally, physically, or both then the judge is most likely to rule in favor of the other spouse.
4.) Have you started a new romance?
Divorce on children is very traumatizing. Children feel anxiety, guilt, depression, and fear when watching parents go through divorce. Many parents forget the impact a custody battle has on their children. They are too busy focusing on their own needs. Some even enter into relationships without any regard to their children’s feelings. Judges do not like to see parents who cohabit with new partner in the same household as children, especially before divorce is finalized. It is considered selfish behavior and shows a lack of disregard for children’s feelings.
5.) Do you have the ability to place your children’s needs before your own?
Acting selfishly by putting your needs ahead of your children’s is frowned upon by the judge. As mentioned above, starting a new romance in front of the children and putting that relationship before being a parent to the children is a sign of poor parenting. Workaholics are also put their needs before their children. A parent that is married to his or her job will not be around to fully be there for children. Unselfish behavior can earn parent custody.
Fighting for child custody is an exhausting process. If you wish to win custody of your children you need to be unselfish, stable, and financial secure. You also have to hire a good divorce attorney.