Texas Parents: Avoid These Common Custody Battle Mistakes!

In this article, you will discover:

• Why it’s inappropriate to bad-mouth your co-parent to the children
• Why keeping detailed documentation is crucial to your Texas custody battle’s success
• Why representing yourself in a custody battle is not recommended

Mistake #1: Bad-Mouthing The Other Parent In A Texas Custody Case

It is never appropriate, nor is it in your child’s best interest, to bad-mouth your co-parent. This bad habit can have significant impacts on children. Therefore, refrain from mentioning the other parent’s shortcomings or errors in your opinions. Always encourage your child to spend quality time with the other parent. If safety considerations cause you to believe your child isn’t safe with the other parent, take appropriate legal action and do not take matters into your own hands. Therefore, refrain from mentioning your ex’s custody order violations or threatening them with arrest or criminal charges in front of your child.

Detailed explanations about how to avoid this and its unfortunate consequences can be found in my book, Beyond Differences: The Art of Collaborative Parenting.

Mistake #2: Failing To Follow A Texas Court Order

Failing to follow a court order has a significant impact on your credibility and trustworthiness with the court. It also puts you at risk of being held in contempt, resulting in fines and even possible jail time! You must follow court orders because failing to do so may cause the court to doubt your willingness to follow future orders. Again, if you believe current court orders present a safety concern or place your child at risk, the appropriate remedy is to ask the court to modify the court order, not to violate the order as written.

Attorney Christina Perrone is a skilled lawyer based in Greenville, TX, who helps countless clients like you navigate the intricacies of family law. With more than 18 years of experience, she can assist you in handling your custody case and avoiding costly co-parenting mistakes so that you play the role you deserve in your child’s life.

Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact the The Perrone Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule an initial consultation.

Mistake #3: Failing To Keep Detailed Documentation In A Texas Child Custody Battle

It is not about winning a custody case but about achieving the result that is best for your child. Having documentation about school performance, counseling records and extracurricular activities will show the court that you are a parent who is capable of acting in your child’s best interest and putting their needs first..

It may also be necessary for the police to document missed exchange periods in an “information report.” This practice allows an unbiased third party to substantiate your position and prevents the possibility of a he said/she said dialogue from surfacing in litigation.

Mistake #4: Representing Yourself In A Texas Custody Case

Rules of evidence and trial procedure are complicated. It would be difficult for you to understand them and adequately represent yourself in court in almost any case. When you add in the emotional toll a child custody case can take, it becomes nearly impossible.

To ensure your evidence is admitted correctly and that you have the chance to provide your testimony to the court, it is always best to hire an attorney.

Mistake #5: Dishonesty and Lying

Dishonesty and teaching children to lie is the worst mistake a co-parent can make. Doing so in a court proceeding will also likely influence your chances of a successful outcome before the court hearing your case. These choices will likely have a significant impact on your parenting time, result in major limitations on your parenting rights and may even adversely affect possession of and access to your child.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Texas custody battle tips, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (903) 202-3911 today.