The Best Answers I’ve Ever Heard in Child Custody Cases – Communication Issues
You’ve heard the phrase the ends justify the means. I’m not sure that’s true. I think being thoughtful, intentional and then authentic in your decisions and behavior is the best course in #ChildCustody and #CoParenting, whatever the ends might be. That said, this is one of the best answers by a witness I’ve ever heard and if it wasn’t authentic, then I’ll just admit to being hoodwinked…
A grandmother had Physical Custody of a child and the Mother had a visitation schedule. I was actually the Guardian ad Litem and no one had lawyers so it was kinda interesting and fun (there were issues, but nothing too dangerous so I can use the word fun). Anyways, the Mother had testified that the Grandmother was a poor communicator, that before and after exchanges the Grandmother always ignored the Mother’s calls and texts in efforts to coordinate the exchange. I “cross”-examined the Grandmother and got this…
Do you ignore her calls and texts at those times? No. You take her calls or respond to her texts? No. You don’t think that’s ignoring them? No. Okay. (a little skeptical) why not? Because my phone is off. Why’s that? Because I don’t talk on the phone or text while I drive. I turn my phone all the way off so I’m not even tempted or distracted.
No kidding, guys, Judges can be hard to read sometimes, but I looked up at the Judge and she looked at me and with that subtle eyebrow raise that let me know that she and I were on the same page. That was a damn good answer.
So what, right? So Grandma doesn’t text and drive. Why does that stick out in my mind as one of the best answers I’ve ever heard? Everybody knows distracted driving is bad. That’s just it, guys. It’s not rocket science. It’s a million little things. It’s about a grandmother giving a little thought and attention to what she does and why she does them. It was so utterly intentional, no hesitation. The answer wasn’t something she’d come up with on the stand because she thought it would sound good…but, nonetheless, it sure as hell did.
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This article contains general information and should not be construed as legal advice for you and or your unique situation. If you would like to speak more about how you, as a Committed Parent or Caring Relative, can be more effective in your Child Custody case, please visit www.ThinkFoxtrot.com/public_calendars/ to schedule your initial consultation at one of our offices. ~SW, Foxtrot