As much as we’d like to say it’s not true, divorce courts don’t always treat men and women equally. As a father going through a divorce, there are certain things you’ll have to do if you want to increase the chances of keeping your kids. Read ten things you should do and then reach out to Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at 909-482-1422 for a legal consultation.
- Don’t move out
- Keep records of everything
- Don’t be petty
- Be careful about your behavior
- Work with an experienced attorney
- Stay active in your child’s life
- Find emotional outlets
- Don’t let stress get the best of you
- Be ready for the unexpected
Moving out of the family home and leaving your child and wife can send a powerful message to the courts. Likewise, they’d rather not disrupt the status quo, and if the status quo is that your wife is living successful with your kids, then they may not want to uproot that.
Write down when you see the kids, save receipts for the things you buy them, and note every interaction you have with their mother. If you suspect there may be a custody battle then you want to gather as much information as possible.
Take the high road and don’t talk to anyone about the details of your divorce. Act like a mature adult and let things calm down. You can’t afford not to.
When you’re in the middle of your divorce, don’t drink in public, don’t get into a new relationship, don’t post about your private life on social media, and don’t direct insults at your child’s mother.
You may be surprised by how many fathers think they can handle divorce and child custody proceedings on their own. This can lead to mistakes that can cost you big. At least consult with an attorney to find out if you’re taking the right approach.
Remain involved with your child’s life. See them frequently, volunteer at their schools, and show up for their extracurricular activities. Of course, you can’t do it all but do what your schedule allows you to.
There’s no question – you’re dealing with a difficult and stressful situation. This is especially true if you’re feeling the financial burden of paying child support, alimony, health insurance, etc. Make sure that you’re doing what you can to create emotional outlets for yourself. You might do this by working with a therapist, speaking with a religious leader, or just taking a weekend to yourself.
Stress can affect not just your mental state but your physical state. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself by exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. Of course, avoiding junk food and alcohol won’t hurt either.
No matter how well prepared you try to be, the reality is that the difficulty of divorce can sneak up on you at any time. Do what you can to prepare for the future but be prepared to handle a few curve balls.
If you need legal help then we have good news for you. Simply call Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at 909-482-1422 to schedule a legal consultation.
