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What You Say in Family Court Matters

Family Court Matters

What You Say in Family Court Matters?

Nowadays there is hardly any distinct lines between what is acceptable language in the courtroom and what is not. Judges are learning slang or urban terms, lawyers speak in colloquialisms and litigants say whatever comes to mind. However, the terminology you use can make a difference in how you are perceived, how you are treated and ultimately, how the judge rules in your case.

Grandparents Rights to Visitation & Custody 

Legal Language Defined

Legalese, or formal legal language, is so nuanced that no one expects the average layperson to familiarize themselves with it for family court matters. In fact, it’s usually only used only in writing, but is not unheard of to hear it being spoken by jurists. Legalese consists of legal phrases and terms that serve a purpose. Lawyers use legalese to help persuade its audience or to help predict an outcome in a case. Some use the term “legal jargon” interchangeably.

Legal terminology, on the other hand, is much more commonplace with help of the internet and it’s accessibility. Legal terminology is more broad in its use, which means it’s a matter of replacing a common word with a legal one. For example, in court you may hear the judge refer to the next court date as an “adjournment” or when there is conversation at the bench as “off the record”.

The Impact of the Use of Some Concepts

In the past five years, certain terms have been used profusely in divorce and child custody cases in Family Court. And even though they are commonly used and often understood, using them to assert or defend your case requires discernment. Terms like, narcissist, parental alienation, high conflict, etc. should be used strategically in your case.

Let’s look at the term narcissists first. This is an actual classification in the DSM-5. The Mayo Clinic defines as “a mental condition in which a person has an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others”. However, overuse or misuse of this term can render negative results in Family Court. Family Court judges are not necessarily trained in mental health but are forced to make rulings on cases where mental illness is prevalent. They have to deal with the most complex set of issues in the shortest amount of time. It seems prudent to accept any insight with respect to mental illness but they don’t. Having a litigant self diagnose their ex or STBX can ruffle the judge’s feather. In fact, it can actually backfire on you.

Same thing with any toxic personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder, judges are not in favor of giving credibility to anyone giving a psychological diagnosis when they are unqualified to so. Furthermore, they are not oblivious to the unfair advantage it may give the diagnosing party.

Next, with respect to parental alienation there is more of a stigma associated with the term which warrants more careful consideration. Parental alienation, as defined by Amy J. L. Baker, PhD, is “children being encouraged by one parent, the favored parent, to unjustly reject the other parent, the targeted parent”. Dr. Baker lists 17 strategies typically used by the alienating parent, which are grouped into five categories. (Go here to read more www.amyjbaker.com)

Historically, judges in family court matters refused to believe or accept the notion that parental alienation was a real phenomenon with actual deleterious effects. Recently, though, more judges are becoming informed about the concept and its impact on children. Again, however, judges are aware of the fact that some parents misuse the term. Some parents, whether for or against the syndrome, abuse the use of the term to justify their actions or inactions. This only puts judges in a position tougher than usual.

What Should You Say

For starters, you should always stick to the facts, this means the facts from your perspective not anyone else’s. If you do not have direct knowledge of a diagnosis or concept then you should not assert it. Next, be very detailed in explaining the impact of your ex’s or STBX’s behavior on your child(ren). Describe what you observe with respect to behavior, moods, etc. And last, answer questions asked by the court directly not volunteering things you read somewhere or heard on YouTube videos.

To Sum it All Up

You should be familiar with some common concepts of course but that’s the extent. Even though there may be some validity to the phrases, concepts, etc. if you have no intentions on actually calling an expert as a witness, be strategic.

Need help in handling your Family Court case on your own?

We have services that are specifically geared toward helping self-represented litigants like you understand the common mistakes that lead to the most disappointing outcomes. To find out more about our services, visit us at WWW.THEDIVORCESOLUTIONIST.COM and join our Facebook community HERE to get some helpful advice and some FREEBIES.  Listen to our latest Podcast episode here.

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Pro Se Divorce or Pro Se Child Custody?

Pro Se Divorce or Pro Se Child Custody

Pro Se Divorce or Pro Se Child Custody – Which is better?

Attorneys, judges, legal personnel all think pro se divorce or pro se child custody litigants are insane. Even with Uncontested Divorce, they believe that taking the risk of botching the child custody or child support terms is too high. For those of you who need clarity, a pro se litigant is:

“someone who argues his/her own case in a lawsuit, rather than having a lawyer represent him/her and do the legal work for him/her. “Pro se” is Latin for ‘on behalf of oneself’.”

Why Pro Se?

Now that you know what the “professionals” think about you handling your divorce or child custody case pro se, let’s explore if YOU should. There are several reasons why people choose to represent themselves. First, the cost of divorce can bankrupt you really quick. I spoke with women who said that they have spent upwards of $200,000 in legal fees for their divorce. Yes….you read that correctly. When you factor in the cost of financial experts, guardian ad litem fees, etc. it is conceivable. Next, the emotional toll many people endure is enough to lead them to the pro se route. And let’s be honest, the fisticuffs come out blazing when allegations of abuse, disputes over money and battles over custody arise. Last, the need to get it over with so that one or both parties can move on in their lives. That usually means moving onto a new relationship, journey or lifestyle. 

Will the Court Award Sole Custody 

Is Pro Se for You?

The question still remains though, is pro se representation advantageous for you? Every situation is different so don’t be influenced by your neighbors’ story. You must look at every single detail of your circumstances from a strategic standpoint. Yes the law is significant too but strategy is key. That means looking at how the law applies to your strengths as well as your weaknesses of your case. In addition, you must weigh the strengths and weaknesses of your ex’s or soon to be ex’s case and analyze them together.

In instances where there are no children and/or no property, pro se divorce or pro se child custody is often a no brainer. However, when there are children then you must examine the ramifications of any potential custody agreements and how it will affect child support. The same with respect to assets or liabilities, you must consider the possible outcomes of any split or distribution. Knowing the law is not all there is to it, you must know the exceptions too. 

Let’s look at some scenarios:

Scenario #1: Mr. & Mrs. X are going through a split and they both want sole custody.  Neither of them have issues with being “fit” or “unfit” so the decision will come down to several factors but one factor takes precedence. If they reside in a “presumed” joint custody state, where the courts will assume that joint custody is in the best interests of the child, then fighting for sole custody will inevitably require a trial. Not a good idea to try this without the help of experienced legal professionals. 

Scenario #2: Mr. & Mrs. Z, Mrs. Z was a stay at home mom for 10 years while Mr. Z worked full time and provided for the family during that time. Mrs. Z is asking for joint custody with a parenting arrangement that fits both parties’ schedules, child support (based on their state’s statutory guidelines) and a split of the proceeds of the marital home. Although this may seem impossible to many, this scenario has the potential to be resolved amicably amongst the parties.  

The Possible Consequences

No matter how well prepared you are, how skilled you are at presenting your case or how knowledgeable you are with the laws, there’s a very good chance that your case will lead to nefarious consequences. Why? Simply because you are not an attorney. 

Pro se litigants generally turn the courts off because they have low and negative expectations of pro se litigants. As a result, courts often just put up mental and emotional barriers at the very mention of “pro se litigant”. Right, wrong or indifferent, this is the reality. What happens though is that they focus more on the “wrongs” so much that they overlook the merits of the case.

Not to mention, if your court renders an unfavorable decision or order on your case in your pro se action, you are stuck with if for the most part.  Your only recourse is an appeal, which is very expensive and time-consuming.

What are your options?

So with the explosion of legal resources on the internet everyone thinks they can handle any legal matter on their own. There might be some credence to this thinking but you must still choose wisely. There are great options available to help pro se litigants now. Some of these include divorce consultants-strategists (like myself); document preparers (we offer these as well), paralegal support services, etc. Even though these options are widely available now, you should still use discernment.  Other viable options are your state’s free resources, nonprofit organizations like Legal Aid and limited service attorneys to name a few.  Whatever option you decide on, it is crucial to understand exactly what you might be risking in the process. 

In summary

The bottom line is this, being pro se is not an automatic catastrophe, just don’t rush to decide. Do your research. Get consultations. Make a fully informed decision.

Need help in handling your Family Court case on your own?

We have services that are specifically geared toward helping self-represented litigants like you understand the common mistakes that lead to the most disappointing outcomes. To find out more about our services, visit us at WWW.THEDIVORCESOLUTIONIST.COM and join our Facebook community HERE to get some helpful advice and some FREEBIES.  Listen to our latest Podcast episode here.

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Will the Court Award Sole Custody

Child Custody

Will the Court Award Sole Custody

In today’s world, there is a lot of confusion about the different forms of custody. We have all heard of the joint custody, some custody and full custody. However, what many are not aware of is that there are two major basis for any custody, that is physical and legal custody.  Physical custody refers to the residence of the child, while legal custody is the decision-making authority the parents have.  These can be either one or a combination of both of them.

Types of Custody

Joint custody shared or 50/50 are used interchangeably but differ in application. Joint custody can be granted with respect to physical and/or legal custody. Shared custody, on the other hand, usually only applies to physical custody where the parents split time equally. 50/50 custody, is not a legal concept but is used in place of joint or shared custody, especially where physical custody is split equally.

Full custody or sole custody are also often used interchangeably. The difference between these two being based more on the circumstances of the parties. Full custody is usually “presumed” in situations where custody has not been established by the courts.  This means that the parent that physically has the child has custody until the court decides otherwise. Sole custody, is a legal concept determined by the court. A parent who has sole custody has 100% decision-making authority and physical custody. The other parent typically has no contact or some visitation or parenting time with the child in some custody scenarios.

Change to Child Custody Arrangements during Covid 

The Courts’ Position on Sole Custody

Most states are moving toward a “presumption” of joint or shared custody, presuming that these arrangements are in the best interests of the child.

Judges are moving away from awarding sole custody to one parent even in cases where the “fitness” of the other parent is questionable. These days the court will only award sole custody when there is clear evidence of specific abuse, neglect or abandonment. The specific bases for ordering sole custody are in situations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, incarceration, mental illness, or relocation. If any of these are proven the judge presumes that the noncustodial parent is “unfit” or that the other parent is more “fit” to parent the child(ren). The courts will justify rulings that allows both parents to play an important role in their children’s lives as opposed to limiting involvement.

A parent can be awarded sole physical custody (which is the same as primary custody). If that is the case. the parties will often share joint legal custody, and the noncustodial parent enjoys a generous visitation schedule. In these situations, the parents would make joint decisions about the child’s upbringing, but one parent would be deemed the primary physical caretaker, while the other parent would have visitation rights under a parenting agreement or schedule.

Conversely, a parent whose awarded sole legal custody can still be directed to split physical custody with the other parent. The variation in these scenarios depends mainly on each state’s laws regarding custody.

Making a Case for Sole Custody

It’s one thing to allege the basis for sole custody, it’s entirely different to prove it.  Unless sole custody is agreed to by both parents, which is how sole custody is normally granted, proving it in court is no easy task. Of course, some grounds for sole custody are more obvious than others, a trial is still often necessary.  The extent to which the petitioner must provide proof or evidence of the grounds depends on other factors as well.  For instance, in a case of abandonment, which is defined differently in each state, mere absence from the child’s life may warrant further explanation as to why.

So, when making your case, it is prudent on the petitioner to understand the legal concepts and how they are proven in court.  Getting a handle on your state’s “tendency” to rule one way or the other requires diligence.  In fact, it is advisable to work with an experienced professional who can help you with the nuances of this area.   Additionally, custody trials can be awfully expensive, extremely time consuming and mentally & emotionally draining.

Alternatives to Sole Custody

A viable alternative to sole legal custody can be as simple as choosing specific language in the court order or agreement.  Including phrases such as “ X parent has final decision-making”;  “both parents are to decide on educational, medical and social issues jointly. In the event the parties are unable to agree, X parent has the final say”; “X parent has the authority to make decisions with respect to educational, medical and social issues when the child is in their home” and similar verbiage.  The beauty of negotiating with a mediator, amongst yourselves or with lawyers present is that almost any of these goes.  If the court is forced to decide, then the chances of bypassing sole custody this way is gone.

Conclusion

In sum, if you are determined to get sole custody then you need to start preparing for it way in advance.  The more you know, the more you prepare, the more help you get the more likely you are to succeed.

Written by Tracey Bee

Feel free to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your child custody case. 

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Need help in handling your Family Court case on your own?

We have services that are specifically geared toward helping self-represented litigants like you understand the common mistakes that lead to the most disappointing outcomes. To find out more about our services, visit us at WWW.THEDIVORCESOLUTIONIST.COM and join our Facebook community HERE to get some helpful advice and some FREEBIES.  Listen to our latest Podcast episode here.

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Change to Child Custody Arrangements during Covid

Child Custody Arrangements

Many parents are struggling with a multitude of issues surrounding Covid and co-parenting.  Parents are overwhelmed with things that were once immaterial or non-existent pre-Covid.  Things like virtual schooling vs. in person school, public outings vs. staying home and so on.  Being a divorce coach, I can not keep up with the number of people who ask about the possible outcomes of not complying with child custody arrangements and orders.

Using Discovery in Divorce and Child Custody

Understanding Your Child Custody Arrangements or Order

If you have a custody agreement or custody order, you need to know how it should be interpreted & followed considering Covid.  Most custody documents clearly state directive with respect to visits, education, medical but not much more than that with respect national emergencies like the current one. Even though “the best interests of the child” factors served as the basis for the custody order, that may not be so easy now.

It is not easy to discern what is best for kids when fear is imminent and rampant.  Parents are overwrought with confusion, and rightfully so. The one thing that should be clear though, that is that a custody agreement is a court order and should be complied with no matter what. But what if compliance puts the child(ren) and their loved ones at risk?  This does not excuse violating the order, but depending on the specific facts of the case, may explain it.

Disagreements with the Custody Arrangement in Emergency Situations

The “best interests of the child” factors are based on the same principles no matter the circumstances of the case.   This means that the court will weigh what is in the child(ren)’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. However, though parents generally want what is best for their child(ren), what they think is best for them is subjective especially in emergency situations.

Parents can have a difference in opinion concerning education, health, discipline, etc. and still be suited to be parents.  And in cases where there is a formal custody arrangement, disagreements in unanticipated event can come up.

In an ideal world, these disputes would be resolved amongst the parents.  But unfortunately, there is hardly anything ideal about family law.  From a court’s perspective though, it is important that “families” work together to hash out things related to their family.  At a minimum, judges expect parents to make every attempt to settle disagreements without court intervention.

Getting the Court to Intervene during a Pandemic

Seeking court intervention should be the last resort under normal circumstances, let alone a national crisis.  Most courts are still operating on a limited basis and capacity.  In fact, the method you choose to proceed in court can determine how and if your application is “heard”.  Some courts are forcing parties to postpone anything not considered an emergency.  Other courts are going a step further by prioritizing the emergencies.  Either way, unless your issue is urgent, you may be forced to settle it yourselves anyway.

Under normal circumstances, there are two ways to proceed in court when there is a disagreement about custody.  One method is to file a Motion to Modify Custody, the other is to file a Motion for Violation/Contempt of a Custody Order or Agreement.   Guess which one will get you into court right now?

Consequences of Filing a Motion for Violation/Contempt

If a parent files a Motion for Violation or Contempt against the other for not following the child custody arrangements the consequences can be harsh.  For instance, if a custodial parent withholds visits from the other due to exposure risks, the court can impose civil or criminal contempt sanctions, change custody, or impose financial fees.  Even in light of what is going on right now, the court can and will exercise its authority to penalize the violating parent.  Furthermore, the factors the court considers to make the determination will be cumulative.  So, in other words, a parent who blatantly chooses to disregard the order may be punished more harsh than one who attempts to work with the other parent.

Sum it Up

You are taking your chances either way.  What consequences are you prepared to live with?  How can you avoid the threats or minimize the risks?  Think long and hard about your options.

By Tracey Bee, The Divorce Solutionist

Need help in handling your Family Court case on your own?

We have services that are specifically geared toward helping self-represented litigants like you understand the common mistakes that lead to the most disappointing outcomes. To find out more about our services, visit us at WWW.THEDIVORCESOLUTIONIST.COM and join our Facebook community HERE to get some helpful advice and some FREEBIES.  Listen to our latest Podcast episode here.

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Preparing Your Case for Your First Court Appearance

Preparing Your Case & Gathe Other Evidence

It helps to have an idea of what is important, what is admissible, what is legal with respect to preparing your case of divorce or child custody. Emails & text messages are usually full of pertinent information and should be high on the list. Although text messages should be formatted in a form that is easier to comprehend, some courts will allow them to be submitted in their original context. Correspondence from caretakers, therapists, etc. are also particularly important and given considerable weight when appearing before the court. Some third party correspondence is subject to hearsay rules however, and may be rejected on that basis. Reports from doctors and other related professionals are also considered “material” to issues surrounding custody or divorce.

Using Discovery in Divorce and Child Custody

Better to Overdo it than Not

Typically, the first appearance is for foundational purposes only. The court is going to spend time getting a clear understanding of the issues that are relevant to the case. It is best to bring all documents, texts, photos, etc. even though the chances of the court actually reviewing them are slim. These things are more appropriate for settlement conference, mediations or court hearing/trial but do serve a purpose at the initial appearance. Having all of these will help you to narrow down what is most relevant to the case from the court’s perspective, which in turn guides you through the overall process.

Prioritizing Your Evidence

Background information is not as important as you think. When preparing materials start with the decision you want the judge to make and provide only the information that will help the judge get to that decision.  You should have an idea of exactly what you want the judge to rule on, which should include an alternative or second choice.  You do not need to disclose these to the court or your adversary but have an idea of what the other favorable options look like.

In addition, include things that can dispute your adversary’s position. These documents, evidence, etc. should certainly be ranked according to how “strong” their evidence is but the important thing is to not overlook their importance.

To keep things simple and easy for your judge to read, your documentation should clearly answer three questions:

  • What’s the issue to be decided?
  • What’s the result you are looking for?
  • Why should you get it?

Some background is often needed, but too much of it clouds the most important & relevant questions. Sticking to the relevant facts that support your desired outcome tells the judge you are a focused & organized and that she/he should pay attention to you. The more time you spend on things unrelated to your end goal, the more it seems that you do not know exactly what you want or why you deserve it.

Keep your documents brief and to the point. Otherwise, it is like not knowing where you want to go. And in that case, you may end up somewhere else.

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Should You File First in your Custody or Divorce Matter?

Most cases in court starts with the filing of a Petition or Complaint by the person who wishes to sue another. Child custody or divorce matter are no different, the initial document is the document that gets the case started. Either party, husband or wife, mother or father, can initiate the case based on their respective objectives.

The question often arises, “should I file first or should I wait until the other party is motivated to file?”  I wanted to address the pros and cons of proceeding either way, even though there is very little irreparable harm to the case if either option is exercised.

Contact The Divorce Coach for you Child Custody or Divorce Matters

Starting the case as the wife or mother in your case may be advantageous for several reasons. Let’s at it from a strategic perspective:  When you are the one filing for divorce you get to choose the legal grounds for the divorce. Depending on the state you are located in or the state you are filing in, choosing the grounds for your divorce may require “fault”. Although most states have some form of “no-fault” as legal grounds, some states’ variations of fault are not the easiest grounds to prove. For example, in Hawaii the parties are to remain separated for a period of at least 2 years to be able to choose “no fault” as their basis.  On the other hand, the petitioner can choose to forego “no fault” grounds based on the facts of their particular case.  Doing this can serve as a strategic tool when negotiation efforts get under way.  For instance, a wife may sue for divorce on the grounds of adultery, explicitly stating all the details of her spouse’s infidelity. The fact that his indiscretions are now open to public view & scrutiny may incentivize him to do whatever it takes to either have this changed to a different grounds or to have the case settled quickly to avoid public humiliation.

Next, the Petitioner gets to choose the jurisdiction to handle the divorce. In some instances, more than one state has the legal authority to “hear” the case based on the parties’ state of residence, the location of the commission of the acts that give rise to the case, or some other association the parties might have to the jurisdiction.

You can prepare more in advance since your ex or soon to be ex may be clueless of the impending filing & thus be unprepared for the case. If you are convinced that divorce is the route you want to take then you could and should start to gather relevant information, documents, etc.. In addition, you should start searching for family law attorneys who can represent you if the circumstances of your divorce or child custody case warrants it.  If you meet with the most reputable attorneys for consultations, be sure to keep track of who they are and advise them to do the same so that you limit their availability to your ex or soon to be ex for representation.

I understand that a lack of resources may leave the party with no choice, forcing them to be the Respondent in the case.  However, the answer to that problem may be a counterclaim or a motion to dismiss their petition.  Whether or not either action is warranted should be determined with the assistance of your family law attorney.

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