Worried About Losing Custody During Divorce? Here’s What To Do

Divorce and separation are incredibly difficult for families, even if you didn’t share the best relationship with your partner. It’s even harder when you have children, but remember that getting a divorce might be the best thing you do for your family, allowing you, your partner and your kids to live a healthier, less emotionally charged life.

But if you’re afraid that you’re going to lose custody of your children, or at risk of losing your rights over them in the event of a divorce, you should enlist the help of a family law solicitor immediately.

Our expert divorce lawyers can help you safeguard your rights and help you reach a custody agreement that is fair and benefits both you and your partner in the best way possible. Keep this advice and recommendations in mind for your custody case:

Custody battles can get ugly and difficult.

Often, couples end up bringing their issues to custody battles. While valid concerns are essential to address, such as a partner’s use of substance, history of IPV or child abuse, a criminal record, health concerns, so on and so forth, personal grudges should be left aside.

Turning your children against your partner, or cutting your ex-spouse off for no valid reason weakens your case and causes unnecessary conflict. Choose the difficult, but the honest route, and remain open to suggestions in the process.

Your lawyer will be able to tell you when things aren’t favourable, but they will also be able to stand up for your rights when necessary.

Understanding joint residency and custody

Shared or joint custody is less common in the UK, unfortunately, but highly advantageous to parents who wish to remain present in equal measure. You can propose equal rights and joint residency, allowing you to spend time on holidays, take care of the school, meeting them on a regular, agreed-upon basis, and sharing the load of child-rearing equally and fairly. It doesn’t cut either partner off or let them out of their responsibilities, but having a legally binding agreement is key to fair rights.

Agree on sharing updates and progress

Be open to demands and needs your ex and their legal counsel put forward, including sharing regular updates, details and other safety measures that are demanded of you. This is nothing personal, just one of the ways to make sure your child is doing well. It might not seem fair, but it could help you hold your ground and retain rights to custody.

Custody agreements can look different for every family. It’s important to find one that works for you and choose mediation, or a settlement that you are comfortable with. Hire us to be your family and divorce solicitors in the UK.