Winning Child Custody: Factors & Strategies
In Tennessee child custody cases, the Court considers what is in the child’s best interest. While the legalese can be confusing, a winning child custody strategy boils down to these elements:
Safety and Well-being. It is crucial to display your commitment to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for your child. Can you provide a stable home for your child during your time? Are you morally and physically fit to provide guidance to your child and provide for their needs?
Emotional bond. The quality of your relationship with your child is paramount, and the positive aspects of this bond must be shown to the Court.
Parental involvement. Your willingness, and ability, to be involved in their lives and activities play a pivotal role and can be shown through your dedication to their daily care and efforts to create lasting memories.
Parenting skills. How well do you know your child’s current stage of development? What are you doing to foster their well-being and growth?
Cooperation and communication. The Court wants to see whether you will commit to cooperating with the other parent. Can you put your children first, with open and respectful communication and flexibility to meet the children’s needs? If you need to place boundaries, can you do so clearly and consistently?
Financial Obligations. Do you provide financial support for your children? Health insurance, daycare fees, extracurricular fees… the responsibilities can feel endless but you should get credit for what you provide.
Child’s Preference. Children DO get a say— but careful what you wish for. When asking your child their preference, remember that they should be left out of the conflict as much as possible. Judges often realize the parent asking their child to testify is the parent willing to sacrifice their child’s best interest to win. It’s best to start with a therapist instead of a witness box.
Support Network. Single parenting often takes a village. If you and your spouse aren’t able to work together to provide for the child’s needs, who do you have in your support network? Is your child close with their cousins or the neighborhood kids?
Remember, this is general in nature and every family is unique. The guidance of a trusted attorney can bring these key elements into focus and tailor your representation to secure your family’s future.
