You and Your Child Custody Team
Updated: Mar 17
It takes a village, as they say, and your #ChildCustody lawyer is but one member of your Child Custody Team. It’s important, and efficient in terms of time, energy and financial resources, to remember which member of your “team” to go to in certain situations. We work so very hard on communicating with our clients effectively and we want to understand your challenges and your goals, but if you just need to “vent” about a situation (which is important, in moderation), it may not be the best use of your lawyer’s time and your $$$ when a friend or family member is much less expensive (and more highly qualified, honestly) to lend a sympathetic ear or shoulder to cry on.
Here are some other members of your #ChildCustody team (not all are necessary and this list is not exhaustive, of course)…
You – this one is necessary. You are the most important member of your team and, ironically, one folks typically don’t give near enough thought to. Take care of yourself; listen to your body. Get enough sleep.
Your Child – Your child’s role on the team is to learn, laugh and be loved but also to listen to and respect you, the Other Side and any other adult authority figures. When it’s your time, you are in charge.
Your Lawyer – We are here to understand your goals and advise you as to the legal implications of those goals and the decisions you make based on them as well as to advocate for those goals in litigation and negotiation settings. Basically, we fight for you.
Your Friend(s) – Frustrated about some comment the Other Side made? Missing your children during the Other Side’s time? Don’t get me wrong, we’re available, but we’re also expensive. Phone a friend. Tell him or her at the beginning of this process that that friend is an important member of your team and, though you won’t abuse the privilege, you’re going to hit them up when times get tough.
Your Family – Family members are great team members because, get this, they have their own selfish reasons to have your back. Think a grandparent doesn’t want more time with kiddo? These are perfect cheerleaders and supporters.
Your Boss – Yup. Your boss needs to know what’s going on. You may have to take time off for work. You may need to leave early to meet with your lawyer or counselor. Your boss should be glad that you are conscientious and proactive enough to be doing something about something so important to you. Heck, it makes your job that much more important. If your boss isn’t flexible both to your case and your Child Custody schedule then that’s something you need to think about because it is going to affect your case.
Your “Bank” – Lawyers are expensive, and we’re no exception, but that’s because they’re valuable. That said, organizing and allocating your financial resources is real, and your resources aren’t limited to what you’ve got in the bank or your back pocket. Look back at Nos. 4-6, or even #3 if your lawyer can put you on a payment plan and tailor services to your budget. Financing your #ChildCustody case can make or break your efforts to achieve your goals both short- and long-term.
Your Pastor / Priest / Rabbi / Guru – Whatever it is you believe, wherever it is you draw strength beyond your own. Seek out guidance on a “higher level.” Find peace in the chaos and acceptance of that which you cannot control.
Your Doctor / Counselor – We conclude by coming full circle. Take care of your body. Take care of your mind. And seek the help of professionals to help you do so. You can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself.
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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