how to win a child custody case without an attorney

by Joelle Daniel 3 min read

Is It Possible To Win a Child Custody Battle Without a Lawyer?

  • Step 1: Go to a clerk in the court and obtain a motion for child custody or modifying a child custody form. The court clerks will typically maintain these forms, required to address a range of custody issues. ...
  • Step 2: Study your state’s existing child custody laws. ...
  • Step 3: Keep a detailed record of all calls and visits with your child. ...
  • Step 4: ...
  • Step 5: ...

Full Answer

How do you win a custody battle against a narcissist?

How Do You Win a Custody Case Against a Narcissist? Follow These 9 Steps#1 Remember That You Are Dealing With a Narcissist. ... #2 Take Note of Everything That Happens. ... #3 Stop or Limit Communication. ... #4 Contact Law Enforcement. ... #5 Use Witness Evidence. ... #7 Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. ... #9 Secure the Right Attorney. ... Stay Calm.More items...•

How much does it cost to file for custody in Louisiana?

A fee of $25 is generally required for filing either a custody or visitation petition in court. There may be an additional fee for serving the other parent with the custody papers, which is usually done by a sheriff, third party, or process server.

What are the 12 best interest factors child custody?

Best interest of the child checklistParental fitness.Who has been the child's primary caretaker.Parents' histories of crime, violence or substance abuse.The parent-child relationship.The child's age.Ensuring stability in the child's life.The child's physical and mental health needs.More items...

How do I file for custody in Kentucky without a lawyer?

For parents who want to file for child custody but who cannot afford a lawyer, filing pro se is a viable alternative....File a Petition for CustodyProof of paternity or legal parentage7.Child's birth certificate.Any existing orders related to the child.

How is child custody determined in Louisiana?

Like all states, the Louisiana child custody laws primarily focus on what is in the "best interests of the child." If both parents can reach an agreement regarding who will have primary physical custody, the court will likely approve their proposed arrangement as long as it serves the child's best interests.

How do I get full custody of my child?

Factors Considered for Granting Full Custody A parent looking to win full custody should be prepared to state clear reasons why joint custody would not serve the child's best interests, such as if the other parent has issues with substance misuse or a history of leaving the child home alone for extended periods.

What is considered an unstable home for a child?

The child may reside in a home that is not physically safe or supportive; it may have no heat, electricity, water, sewer disposal. The house may be in general ill repair. The second physical instability comes from the physical interactions that occur between family members.

How do you show the court you are a good parent?

Keep a file of the following records to prove that you are a great parent:Birth Certificate.Social Security Card.Academic Transcripts.Behavioral Reports.Awards and Certifications.Health Records.

What can cause a mother to lose custody?

Even after winning legal custody of the child after the divorce, it's still possible for the mother to lose her custodial rights based on strong grounds of violence, substance abuse, addiction and violations of court orders.

How long do custody cases take?

There is no standard time frame and it can take between 6 to 12 months to achieve a final order. In most cases, it will take around six to eight weeks from when you first apply for the preliminary court hearing (step 4 above) to take place.

How do you prove a father is unfit for visitation?

How Does a Family Court Determine If a Parent Is Unfit?A history of child abuse. ... A history of substance abuse. ... A history of domestic violence. ... The parent's ability to make age-appropriate decisions for a child. ... The parent's ability to communicate with a child. ... Psychiatric concerns. ... The parent's living conditions.More items...

What age can a child decide custody in Kentucky?

One of the factors for courts to consider is the “wishes of the child as to his custodian.” See, KRS 403.270(2)(b). Nowhere in this statue does it states that a child of a certain age gets to choose his or her custodian. In fact, courts should consider the wishes of a six-year-child AND a 16-year-old child.

What are the 3 types of custody?

Learn the difference between legal custody, physical custody, sole custody, and joint custody.

How long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in Louisiana?

six consecutive months(c) As of the time the petition is filed, the parent has failed to maintain significant contact with the child by visiting him or communicating with him for any period of six consecutive months.

Who has custody of a child when the parents are not married in Louisiana?

If parents are unmarried at the time of their child's birth, the mother is presumed to have custody. However, by completing the paternity form, the father can ask the court for visitation rights and share in custody arrangements.

How can a dad get full custody in Louisiana?

A father may receive sole custody in cases where the mother is unfit or unable to provide a safe and caring home for the child. Both parents are evaluated equally in the courts to determine a custody situation that will be best for the child's physical and mental wellbeing.