Preparing for a Child Custody Hearing in Hanover

There are few things more concerning to a parent than facing custody litigation involving your child. The amount of time you will spend with them and the role you will play in their life depends significantly on a judge’s decision, and the thought of that process can be extremely nerve-racking.

If you are facing a custody battle, you want to present the best case possible in court to protect your relationship with your child. While no amount of preparation can completely remove the stress of custody litigation, there are steps you can take to increase the chance of a successful outcome for you and your family.

When preparing for a child custody hearing in Hanover, you should consult an attorney at O’Connor Family Law. With over 35 combined years of exclusive family law experience, our team has the skill and knowledge to help you through this difficult time.

Gathering Evidence in Preparation FOR a Child Custody Hearing in Hanover

When preparing for a custody hearing in Hanover, your goal should be to demonstrate your ability to care for your child and that it is in their best interests to be under your care. If the case proceeds to trial, you can tell the judge about things such as your past role in your children’s lives and your capability as a parent. This can be done by presenting photographs, documents, and other physical evidence that supports your relationship with your child. Some examples of useful information that may be needed prior to a trial date can include:

• Text messages and emails between you and the other parent demonstrate your willingness to communicate about your child, or conversely, their unwillingness to respectfully or timely communicate with you.
• Photographs of your home, your child’s room, and you spending time with your child.
• School progress reports and notes from parent/teacher meetings to demonstrate your involvement in your child’s education.
• Parenting schedules show how much time you and the other parent spend with your child and whether any visitations have been missed.

It is essential to keep in mind that you are trying to paint a picture of your relationship with your child to the judge. If you are not sure whether specific evidence could be beneficial for your case, ask your attorney. It is far better to provide too much information than not enough, and an experienced lawyer can decide what to present to the judge at the hearing.