Remember when you used to keep a diary when you were younger? That’s how journaling is basically–a record of day-to-day events of personal anecdotes. Creating a separate journal or diary while your family is going through a child custody battle is vital. It is important because, as it is, it is a record of what transpires as the conflicted custody battle is underway.
For this article we will share several points that you can consider as you create your journal and also provide you with a brief of what goes on during the child custody battle.
What Happens in a Child Custody Battle
A child custody battle is a legal dispute between two parents over the right to care for their children.
During this legal dispute, a judge must consider several factors to make a fair decision.
For example, the court can look at the parents’ individual sources of livelihood. The parents’ sources of livelihood are an important factor to consider, especially since the children will have different needs that would certainly require financing, such as schooling, medical expenses, etc.
Another factor that a court may consider is the children’s affinity for either parent. The quality of the relationship between the children and either parent is vital. After all, the children’s emotional development is paramount for them to thrive throughout their lives.
The court will require evidence to help them make the best decision. One system that a parent could implement is to keep a child custody journal.
This journal could be easily used to help keep track of the goings-on as the custody battle is in proceeding.
What to Include In A Child Custody Journal
One prominent question that might be asked is, ‘What should I include in a child custody journal?’ To answer this question, here are some suggestions of important points to include in your journal:
- Visitation
a. Date
b. Time
c. Notes
d. Planning/Scheduling
e. Duration - Communication
a. Communication with
b. Date
c. Time
d. Subject/Topic
e. Notes
f. Duration
These are only some of the possible notes that you could include in your journal to provide it with structure and data. Other points of important and relevant information that could prove to be vital:
- School performance
- Mood
- Attitude
- Signs of violence/abuse
- Medical history
- Comments that the children make about the divorce
- Comments that the children make about either of the parents
Such documentation can be done and written using a traditional pen and paper. Simply get a notebook and write down any information that you deem necessary to support the development of the case.
Another option of keeping documentation is using applications available on your phone that could also help you store some screenshots of social media posts, email exchanges, texts, etc.
The amount of detail and relevant information that is made available in a journal bears heavy weight because, ultimately, this is a documentation of your children’s welfare.
Hire a Fort Worth, Texas Attorney Who Has Your and Your Child’s Best Interests
A child custody battle is a very delicate matter. Not only are both parents affected, but their children’s psycho emotional development will also be heavily affected.
It is in the best interest of the parents to hire a Fort Worth Child Custody Attorney to represent them throughout the custody proceedings.
