How To Handle Abuse Allegations During A Child Custody Case
Child custody cases are tricky because the disputing parents often go out of their way to gain an advantage. You may find yourself in a tight spot as a dad if your partner levies false abuse allegations. Unfortunately, such charges are more common than you imagine. The worst part is that you may lose the custody battle if your partner establishes abusive behavior against your kids.
The only way to keep your case intact is by proving your innocence. So you must take the charges seriously and build your defense against them to save yourself from legal trouble down the line. Failing to do so can get you in a big problem for a sex offense and a custody case. A little awareness and planning can help you avoid both. Let us share some tips for handling abuse allegations during a child custody claim.
Avoid confronting your partner
The first instinct on the false abuse charges will be to confront your partner. After all, it is hard to come to terms with the allegation of abusing your own kids. Moreover, the charges could lead to immense mental stress, specifically when you are already dealing with the anxiety of a child custody case. But you must steer clear of confrontation because it can go against you in court. Your ex-spouse will surely want you to do it so that they can use it as an incriminating action. But staying calm and handling the situation strategically is always the best option.
Look for valid evidence
Nothing gets better than hard evidence when it comes to proving your innocence in a child abuse case. You need it, even more, when a custody battle is a part of the equation. Look for valid pieces of evidence, such as phone calls and messages showing congenial relationships with your children. Testimonies of relatives, friends, and neighbors can be valuable in this context, so get as many of them as possible. The more people you support your integrity as a parent, the better your chances of getting a clean chit in the abuse and custody battles.
Strengthen your legal defense
This one is a no-brainer because a robust defense can get you a favorable verdict in the abuse case and strengthen your chances of getting custody. You must collaborate with sex crime attorneys with a proven track record to be on the safe side. Cutting corners with legal defense is the last thing you should do because you may end up losing your reputation and custody without a strong defense plan. Get the best lawyers on board to save both because the price is worth paying. Besides hiring experts, provide them with all the relevant information and evidence required to prove your innocence in court.
Maintain positive relationships with your kids
Your partner may try every trick in the book to create distance between you and your children, and false abuse allegations make one of the worst tactics. You can counter it by maintaining positive relationships with your kids. Stay connected with your children in the first place. Meet them often if the court allows it during the case. But do not try to coerce or manipulate them because it can take things in the wrong direction. You need not do anything to prove the fallacy of the charges if you are innocent. So focus on bonding with your kids instead of getting favorable testimony from them.
Prioritize mental self-care
Fighting a custody battle is stressful, and abuse charges can take the anxiety to the next level. The only way to deal with the stress is by prioritizing mental care throughout the case. You can pick wellness rituals like meditation and journaling to start with. But not everyone can cope with such challenging situations alone. Seeking support from a mental healthcare worker is a good option. Join a support group and look for extra help from friends and family members. You can talk to a church leader for advice and guidance. Staying mentally strong puts you in a better place in such a tricky situation.
False abuse allegations can be taxing, and they can ruin your chances in a custody battle, no matter how much you love your kids. But not building your defense can limit your chances of getting child custody. So you must follow these tips to cope with the charges and deal with a lying partner. Most importantly, get an expert attorney on your side to establish your innocence and save your integrity as a parent.
