One of the most important aspects of a divorce in Virginia in which the couple has kids is the process of making custody arrangements. We at the law office of Eric Roland Spencer understand that the stress of the divorce can take a toll on your emotions. However, it is critically important to control yourself and remain on your best behavior during custody proceedings. Even actions seem harmless to you at the time may reflect badly on you during custody hearings and potentially affect how much time you get to spend with your children in the future.
Fatherly.com details a number of mistakes that parents can make during the custody process. Here is a brief guide to the way you should conduct yourself while the matter is still an issue.
- Do not turn into a party animal
You may feel emancipated from a bad relationship and wish to celebrate, or the stress of the divorce could have you looking for ways to blow off some steam. However, you should avoid social gatherings or other activities that involve drinking alcohol or any other activities that could potentially reflect badly on your character if they were to come up in court.
- Take a break from social media
Anything that you post publicly on Facebook, Twitter, etc., may serve as evidence against you at a custody hearing. Furthermore, even information you post privately may turn up in court if someone else shares it without your knowledge or consent. It is safest not to use social media at all during divorce proceedings.
- Do not put your children in the middle
This includes using your kids to relay messages to your spouse or badmouthing the other parent to your children. Not only can it come back to haunt you during custody proceedings, it is also unfair to your kids.
Following divorce finalization, your actions will no longer be under such intense scrutiny. You can resume using social media and other behaviors as you deem appropriate. More information about child custody is available on our website.