In child custody cases, the judge won’t just take your word for it. You will need child custody documentation to serve as evidence of your parenting abilities. The judge will evaluate you and your spouse’s previous conduct to determine who should be awarded custody. The judge is most concerned with what is in the best interests of the child(ren).
It is essential to know what and how documentation should be provided when filing for custody. The court will seek information that supports your position as a fit parent who can provide the best environment for a child(ren).
Types of child custody documentation
You will want to provide documents, such as photos, emails, phone messages, and text messages, that demonstrate good parental judgment and shows that you have meaningful daily interactions with the child(ren).
- School records: These include summaries of parent-teacher conferences, report cards, communications with teachers, and academic evaluations.
- Health records: These include physicals, insurance records, and medical evaluations.
- Extracurricular activities records: These include sports clubs, afterschool programs, and community involvement.
The judge will consider who was there when the child got sick and which parent provided consistent academic support.
Other types of child custody documentation
Documentation can also be used to show poor judgment or lack of involvement on the part of the other spouse. Examples of this include:
- Questionable judgment like leaving a young child unattended
- Being continually unavailable to the child
- Evidence of alcohol abuse, drug addiction, domestic violence, child neglect, or abandonment
If you are the spouse whose parenting skills are in question, you will need the testimony of witnesses who can validate your involvement in your child’s life and qualifications as a parent.
Organize your child custody documents
Put all the documents into a binder or folder. You’ll need to have them in order and accessible for use by your attorney.
You can organize them by category (school, health, home, etc.) or by date to demonstrate your involvement with your child over time.
By preparing your child custody documentation, working with your attorney, and being open to their counsel for building a strong legal strategy, you put yourself in a position for a more successful outcome.
Having the right divorce lawyer on your side makes all the difference when it comes to protecting your interests and handling child custody issues. Contact Sauls Law Group at (770) 212-9168 for a consultation today.
Photo by Ricky Turner on Unsplash
