The goal of family law courts is to reach a decision that is in the best interests of the child. Joint child custody is the ideal solution, which allows both parents to be a part of the child’s life despite parting ways. However, divorces can get ugly due to conflict between both parties and children get caught in the crossfire. At times, one of the parents lacks a suitable character or lifestyle for raising the child. Therefore, if you want to win primary or full child custody, you need to be strategic and cautious. Abide by the following tips rather than resorting to illegal ways.

1.Follow Court Orders

The parenting plan approved by the court is binding, so do not dare defy it. Even if your ex has the upper hand in the existing arrangement, you should be respectful towards the court orders. Throwing tantrums or acting like a rebel will deteriorate your image.

2.Study Family Law

Getting acquainted with your state’s family law will help you understand the system and employ the best course of action. You will learn about imperative dos and don’ts of child custody, giving you an edge during court hearings and private negotiations.

3.Co-operate with your Ex

Regardless of the behavior of your ex, you need to exhibit that you are more than ready to collaborate for the sake of your child. If you ex is trying to be helpful or accommodating, but you refuse to compromise on anything, you shall be perceived as the bad guy in this situation. Proving yourself as the better person is the key to gaining the court’s favor.

4.Be a Good Parent

You cannot expect an advantage in custody matters if you fail at parenting. Your attitude with the kids and how you spend time with them will be taken into account. If your child is of a mature age (12 years or older), they will have a say in the court’s final decision. In case your child dislikes you or doesn’t want to live with you, there isn’t much you can do to change that.

5.Do not Sabotage or Berate your Ex

Some individuals employ the wrong methods to defeat their ex in a custody battle. You might hate your ex’s guts under the current circumstances, but that does not entitle you to interfere with their parental rights. Falsely accusing an ex for heinous crimes like domestic violence and child abuse is highly inappropriate and illegal.

6.Don’t make Excuses

If you are constantly rescheduling plans with the children and offering lame excuses for being late/not showing up, you’re just exposing how negligent and irresponsible of a parent you can be. The court is not interested in your far-fetched stories; remember that actions speak louder than words.

7.Always be Punctual

There is no place for being ‘fashionably late’ in a child custody case. If you do not appear to value time, your appeals will be dismissed. Whether you are scheduled for a court hearing or a child visit, it is important to be on time.

8.Request In-Home Custody Evaluation

If you are afraid that your ex might attempt to illustrate you as someone who is unreliable or a bad influence, request an in-home custody evaluation. Being evaluated on your parental skills by a neutral party is increasingly helpful for your case, as long as everything goes well.

9.Demonstrate Sobriety

Showing up drunk for visits and hearings, or getting drunk during your time spent with children can be unforgivable. The court is likely to be wary of a parent who appears to have an addiction. Staying sober is the only acceptable way to prove your reliability.

10.Hire an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer

Arizona Family Defense Attorney has helped numerous parents win the child custody battle with a notorious ex. If your ex has a legal representative and you don’t, you are going to have a hard time building a strong case and winning arguments. An experienced child custody attorney will help establish your parental rights and prepare you to deal with all sorts of challenges.