Preparing Your Child For Court
If you are in the middle of a custody dispute, you may want to have your child available to give testimony to help the court decide who will be their caretaker. If the child is really young, you may want to hire a child lawyer to do the talking in behalf of your child. Either way, your child will most likely need to be available in the courtroom when it comes time for litigation for child custody. Here are some pointers to help prepare your child for the day.
Do Not Persuade
When you are battling for custody, it is best to keep your child out of the dispute as much as possible. If you persuade your child by constantly badgering them to tell the court to live with you, the lawyers and judge will be able to tell. This could greatly affect your case, as they will think the child is being brainwashed or persuaded to favor one of the parents.
If you are the temporary custodial parent, try your best not to mention your divorce or badmouth the other parent. Your child will get confused, and that will not be of any help to you when trying to win custody. If your child truly wants to stay with you, they will tell the court or the child lawyer this information when the time comes.
Explain What Court Is
Let your child know that they will be going to court with you to tell the judge and lawyers about their life. Tell them that it is very important to tell the truth when asked a question and that no one will be mad at them for their answers. Explain that court will help decide what would be best for them, and that there is no reason to be afraid as long as they tell the truth.
Also, let your child know that if they do not know the answer to the question, they are allowed to tell the lawyer that they do not know. Make sure the child is aware of this before they go on the stand to help alleviate some of the anxiety they may have about having to answer questions.
Make Sure Proper Etiquette Is Followed
Make sure your child is dressed in business-like apparel when going to court for a custody case. A sweater and slacks for a boy or a nice looking dress for a girl would be appropriate. Make sure your child knows to sit quietly and wait for their turn to speak. Many custody cases will have children sit in an adjoining room so they will not have to endure the bickering between the parties. When it comes to their turn, they will be brought into the courtroom to sit in front of the judge.
Tell your child to listen to the entire question and then answer it truthfully. Make sure they know to speak loud enough so the court reporter will be able to hear the response. Have them practice speaking loudly and clearly at home before you bring them into court for the hearing.
For more information, contact a business such as Rosenmeier Law Office.