What Details Are Important in Child Custody Cases?

Family law cases by their very nature are fact sensitive.  This means that every case is different because every family, child, and dynamic is different.  The details of the case can vastly change the outcome, even if it seems a small one at first.  It’s impossible to know which final detail may tip the balance in favor of one party or the other.  In child custody cases, there can be many types of these details that deserve particular attention.  A parent wanting to prevail in a custody case needs to have a firm handle on certain types of details of the child’s life.

One type of detail important for a parent to know will be those involved in a child’s school.  When a parent makes an argument that he or she has historically been essential to a child’s education and so should continue to have parenting time during the week, but is then unable to name the child’s teacher, this will severely undermine the argument.  Smaller details such as knowing which unit the child is currently studying in school or what types of certificates the child has received will also help with this type of detail.

Another detail is the child’s medical history.  As with education, it is important to demonstrate that a parent has a history of being involved with the child’s medical care.  A parent should know the details involved in a child’s medical history, such as which vaccinations the child has received, when the child is due for his or her next check-up, any allergies, and any future plans for treatment.  This holds true even if the child is generally healthy and has no serious medical procedures looming.

A solid acquaintance with the child’s extracurricular activities and schedule is important.  This can also be used to show that the parent was involved in the day-to-day planning of a child’s schedule and life.  Knowing these details can also allow a parent to structure his or her future schedule in order to stay or become involved in these activities. 

A parent should be able to recite a child’s main preferences.  For very young children, this would include favorite toys or favorite colors.  For a child close to graduating high school, this would include career plans and college preferences.  In essence, a parent needs to demonstrate enough involvement with the child that the child is interested in sharing these partialities with the parent.

We have extensive experience helping clients with obtaining favorable outcomes in their custody cases. Contact us today at 619-800-0384 to talk about your children and how to move forward with your case