It can feel like a punch to the gut when your child’s other parent files a child custody modification request. After all, if they had their way, the time you get to spend with your child would be limited, and it may even be restricted to occurring on a supervised basis. This can be a dramatic shift for you and your child, putting your child’s best interests at risk. That’s why it’s imperative that you know how to effectively defend against one of these requests.
Your options for defending against a child custody modification request
As stressful as it can be to face a modification request, there are several legal strategies you can deploy to try to counter the other parent’s position. These include:
- Presenting evidence that contradicts their assertions, such as witness testimony, education and medical records or mental health or child custody evaluations.
- Attacking the reliability of the other parent’s testimony as well as the credibility of other witnesses that they call in support of their motion, that way the court will give that evidence less weight.
- Going on the offensive by highlighting the other parent’s shortcomings that pose a threat to your child’s well-being, thereby rendering the proposed custody arrangement untenable.
- Using the rules of evidence to block harmful evidence from being unfairly used against you.
- Requesting a child custody evaluation if you think that a neutral third-party assessment of the situation will be beneficial to the judge and will land in your favor.
There might be other steps you can take to protect your child’s best interests in your child custody case. So, be sure to fully assess the circumstances so that you can find the best legal options for you.
Don’t make an error that could prove costly to your child’s well-being
There’s a lot at stake in a child custody modification hearing. Knowing how to aggressively fight back against the other parent’s requests will ensure your child’s best interests are protected and your time with your child remains unaffected.
