Divorce may bring with it complicated legal proceedings. In a Georgia court, many spouses argue over child custody, so the court reviews evidence and testimony to make a determination. The parents may benefit from preparing for the child custody hearing. Understanding what is involved before the proceedings occur can help reduce a parent’s stress.
Basic preparation
Learning about the laws regarding child custody in the parent’s home state may clear up some confusion. An attorney may explain many aspects of the law and what to expect. With that said, a parent spending time on their own learning about the overall process might lead to asking an attorney helpful questions and better grasping what the attorney says.
It’s critical for parents to understand the concept of “best interests of the child.” Ultimately, the court wants to place the child in the custody of someone best capable of providing care. Perhaps a parent struggling with financial issues and other problems may need to understand why the court seems skeptical.
Other child custody hearing concerns
A parent should compile financial statements, school records, text messages and any other evidence necessary for the proceedings. Someone claiming to be capable of financially supporting a child may have to show financial assets beyond a yearly salary, for example.
A parent may need to be ready for any questions from the judge. Working with an attorney beforehand could help with such preparation. Knowing how to respond succinctly might require some practice, so preparation is essential. A lack of preparation might lead to nervousness during the hearing itself.
Additionally, the parent must understand how to behave in the courtroom. Angry outbursts or other outrageous behavior could cause disastrous problems, so it’s often helpful to practice beforehand.
Child custody hearings follow a formal process, and participants may benefit from learning about it in advance. An attorney may lend support and assistance throughout the process.
