4 Reasons Your Child Custody Request May Be Denied
Children are special and extraordinarily vulnerable. The court does not overlook these two qualities. For this reason, parents that file custody demands for their children must understand that they face a challenging road ahead. If you plan to file for custody and don't realize this information, you may be unsuccessful in your efforts. Learn about some of the common reasons parents are denied custody to make sure you're on the correct path.
Income Stability
Children need love and nurturing, but they also need financial stability. When a person seeks custody of a child, they must be able to prove to the court that they have the financial means to provide for the child. A person that does not have the income to support the child could face an uphill battle. While the court will consider any child support you may receive, your income is equally important.
Household Members
While you may be the person that is applying for custody of the child, it does not mean that the other people in your household are not relevant. For example, say your new spouse has a lengthy criminal background that includes crimes against children. The court will review this information and consider the potential threat this individual could pose towards the child. If there is thought to be any risk, as long as the person lives in the home, you may have your request denied.
Work Schedules
A part of nurturing a child involves spending time with their parent. While all adults have to work, especially those who are trying to support a child, the court does not want to put the child in a situation where they are left alone or under the care of someone else, often. If you have a grueling work schedule that keeps you away from the child, this information may be taken into consideration.
Parenting History
The goal of any court is to provide the child with an opportunity to maintain a healthy relationship with both of their parents. If you have a history of unfairly keeping the child away from the other parent, this past behavior may count against you. While there is nothing you can do to change history, you will need to put forth an effort to ensure the courts you won't follow the same patterns.
The reasons that your child custody arrangement could be denied don't stop here. Before you file, you should seriously consider speaking with a child custody lawyer. An attorney will look at your situation and your goals to give you a realistic idea of what you face, as well as help you formulate a plan toward success.