Tips On Avoiding Common Mistakes From A Custody Lawyer Colorado Divorcing Parents Respect

By Jessica Campbell


Divorce is extremely hard on families. There is no good way to tell children one of their parents is leaving the home. When the parents are angry and bitter, they often lash out at each other through the children. According to a child custody lawyer Colorado couples turn to, there are common mistakes parents make that should be avoided at all costs.

It is a strong temptation for one parent to say negative, hurtful, and sometimes cruel things about the other parent in front of the kids or directly to them. The damage this kind of behavior does to youngsters can last for years. Even if the parent abandoned their family for another person, the custodial parent must refrain from burdening the kids with the details. It will look bad for the offending parent if these conversations come to the judge's attention.

Sometimes the custodial parent uses access to the children as a lever or to gain a sense of power over the spouse. If there is a visitation agreement in place, both parents have to adhere to it until such time as an amended agreement is put in place. The only time a parent can really deny access to kids is when there is evidence of some kind of abuse.

It is not unusual for one of the couples to accuse the other of drinking to excess or abusing drugs. It may or may not be true. If there is truth to the accusation, the partner in question must tell the lawyer representing them the whole truth. Most lawyers complain that this almost never happens.

Even though the couple may never want to speak to one another again, if there are children in the mix, refusing to communicate is not an option. It is also unacceptable for the parents to try and communicate with one another through the children. If one parent petitions the court for assistance because the other parent refuses to speak or cooperate, the judge may deal harshly with the uncooperative parent.

When there are disagreements and accusations between parents, it is customary for the judge to send a court appointed professional to conduct family reviews. Parents make a big mistake when they try to coach their children instead of preparing for the visits themselves. The interviewers are familiar with these kinds of tactics and know how to recognize a child's coached version of events. It is hard to explain away this kind of behavior to an angry judge.

If a parent really wants make a judge angry, trying to involve the children in the court proceeding will do it. Minor children are never allowed in the courtroom during these hearings unless the judge decides it's necessary. Court documents must also be kept out of the hands of the kids.

Breaking up a family unit is heartbreaking and traumatic. Fighting over guardianship of the children only makes it worse. Everyone benefits when the adults behave like responsible parents instead of immature children.




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