New York, NY family law attorney Lisa Zeiderman talks about how to not lose custody. Navigating a custody case requires careful behavior to avoid jeopardizing custody arrangements. The stress of a custody dispute can be overwhelming, as it involves the children—the most significant individuals in anyone’s life, especially during a divorce.

One crucial aspect to remember is the importance of not disparaging the other parent. Fostering a relationship with the other parent and being able to co-parent effectively is essential. This can be challenging due to emotions such as anger, especially in cases involving domestic violence or financial disputes. However, it is vital to recognize that both parents contribute to the children’s identity, and maintaining a respectful relationship with the other parent is important for the children’s well-being.

This doesn’t necessarily mean there will be an equal custody arrangement or shared legal custody; one parent may need to have final decision-making authority, or a tiebreaking mechanism may be necessary. Regardless, the key to retaining custody is nurturing a relationship with the other parent and acknowledging their role in the children’s lives. Encouraging children to maintain a connection with both parents is fundamental and can greatly influence custody outcomes.

Additionally, parents should be cautious about how they speak about the other parent, especially in front of the children or when interacting with service providers like doctors and teachers. Highlighting positive aspects of the other parent is important, as there was a reason for choosing to have children together. Negative comments can be detrimental, and children often overhear such discussions, which can impact their perception of both parents.

Parents should also be mindful of their social media presence during this process. Posting about the co-parent or the custody case can be harmful and should be avoided. It is wise to refrain from sharing any information regarding the children on social media, as this content can be viewed later by the children, even if they are young at the time. Overall, maintaining a respectful and positive environment is essential for the children’s well-being and the success of custody arrangements.