Child custody is often the matter that couples care about the most during a divorce. If you are in the middle of a child custody dispute, it’s important that you show the court how responsible you are. Don’t lose child custody by making one of these common mistakes:

Showing no interest in your child’s life.

Which pediatrician does your child see when he isn’t feeling well? What after school activities or clubs is your child a part of? Who is his favorite teacher? If you want to show the court that you are dedicated to being a parent, you should know the answers to these questions. Prove that you are committed to being a parent by attending parent-teacher conferences, bringing your child to doctor or dentist appointments, and cheering your kid on at his next basketball game.

Drinking alcohol excessively or taking drugs.

When determining who should be awarded custody, the judge will consider the child’s best interests above other factors. Children should not be exposed to parents who drink excessively or take illegal drugs, so if you are currently engaged in this behavior, you will most likely lose custody of your child.

Failing to provide a stable home environment.

The judge will not give you custody of your child if you cannot provide a stable home environment for him. If you suddenly quit your job in the middle of your divorce, this can be seen as a sign that you cannot provide stability in your child’s life. If you’ve had to move out of the marital home during the divorce, find a new place to live quickly. The judge will not want to see you bouncing from home to home or crashing with a friend if you are trying to get custody of your kids.

Being arrested for domestic violence.

Things can get headed in a divorce, but you should never let the situation escalate to the point where you are arrested for domestic violence. Parents with a history of domestic violence will find it incredibly challenging to win custody of their children so don’t make this mistake.

Putting the child in the middle.

In most cases, the judge will find that it is in the child’s best interests to have a relationship with both parents. This means you should encourage your child to have a relationship with his other parent instead of including him in arguments or badmouthing your spouse around him. The judge will not look favorably upon this kind of behavior, and it may end up costing you child custody.

If you are filing for divorce and there are children involved, contact Adams Family Law today to discuss your situation. Our divorce attorneys will fight the custody battle on your behalf to ensure that the outcome is in your child’s best interests. Contact us today at Steven@adamsfamilylaw.com or call 513-929-9333 to schedule your initial consultation.