Going into a child custody battle is something no parent wants to experience, as it is stressful for both the parent and the child. However, this has to happen for this child’s safety and well-being. The court wants the best for your children, and unfortunately, at times, this means removing them from your care.
However, there must be indisputable reasons for the court to remove a child from a parent’s care. Most common causes include neglect, abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse. To have a fighting chance, you must hire the best family lawyers and be equipped with supportive documents. Let’s explore why you might lose custody of your child.
10 Reasons You Are Losing Custody of Your Child
For various reasons, the court rescinds the custody of your child. It can be devastating but remember, it’s all in your kid’s interest. So, if you want your child back, you must get your act together and prove it to the court. What are the reasons you can lose your child custody?
Child Abuse or Neglect
If you abuse your child physically, you are likely to lose their custody. You may also lose custody for knowingly letting another person harm your child. Therefore, avoid beating your child for nothing; even when they are in the wrong, there are other effective ways to punish them. You can deny screen time and ground them in the house for several days.
You may also lose your child’s custody if you don’t take care of them as required. You must always ensure they are well-fed, clean, clothed, and going to school. If any of these are not met, then it means that your child’s basic needs are not being met, making you an unfit parent.
Forgetting To Sign a Prenup
A prenup is not only helpful in protecting your property, but it can also help protect your children. So signing a prenup should be a prerequisite for every married couple as it can explain how to share your kid’s custody in the event of a divorce. This helps avoid the gruesome court process and relieves your kids of having to choose sides.
Spousal Abuse
Abusing your partner is reason enough to lose custody. And you must note that abuse comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. So, take care of your family and don’t resort to abusive behavior no matter how angry you get.
Drug or Alcohol Addiction
In an era where drugs and alcohol are readily available, many people turn to substance abuse and neglect their family needs. As a parent, you must be present in your child’s life and meet their needs. But you will always be high under the influence of alcohol, and every penny you get will be used to get your next fix.
So, if you don’t want to lose your child’s custody, you’d better seek treatment by enrolling in a rehab center.
Health Problems
Some illnesses do not deter you from taking care of your child; that’s under the condition that they can be treated. However, if a parent is mentally ill, they may lose custody of their child; that’s why you find that many parents with psychological issues do not open up for fear of losing custody.
However, if you were not up for the divorce, you may become depressed if you overthink it, and this may affect how you take care of your children, placing you at risk of losing custody. You can seek treatment by seeing a psychologist. Additionally, you can move on, love yourself and start dating again. This puts you in a better mindset, increasing your chances of retaining custody.
Violation of Custody Schedule
If you are in a custody battle, one parent is given temporary custody, while the other is allowed visitation as they await the final ruling. Ensure that you always abide by the rules and do not deny visitation rights. And for the parent with visitation rights, respect the schedule, always return the child at the appointed time, and notify the other parent if you are getting late due to traffic, snowstorm, or heavy rainfall. This will ease their worry.
Unsafe Housing
You must ensure that your child lives in a safe and comfortable environment. It does not necessarily have to be your home; it can be at a relative or hotel. However, if the court finds that you’ve been living in your car or a rundown house, you may lose your child’s custody.
Parental Alienation
Some parents part under ugly circumstances, which may prompt them to talk bad about the other parent to their child. This is a form of emotional abuse, as the child will have a bad picture of their other parents, which is not true. Under the court, the parent is liable to lose custody as they alienate the parent and the child.
Going To Court Unprepared
Mothers believe that the custody of an underage child will always be theirs, so they may be lax in collecting evidence. Unfortunately, the dad might come prepared and knock off your seat. So don’t be overconfident; gather all the relevant documents and hire a reputable child custody lawyer.
Not Being Present in Your Children’s Lives
Being a parent is more than providing food and shelter; it’s listening to their problems and helping solve them, helping them with home, and participating in extracurricular activities.
So, if you were not actively present in your children’s lives before the separation, the chances of winning primary custody are less. However, judges understand that you have to work to provide for them, so if you have a stronger case than your partner, then you might get custody.
Final Thoughts
No one gets married and gives birth to children to bring them up separately. It’s just that life happens, and some situations arise that call for divorce and custody battles. Make sure you are not doing any of the above reasons to cause the loss of your child’s custody.