How Child Custody Lawyer Can Get You Sole Custody If Your Co-Parent Is Violent

If you are a parent who is dealing with violence from a co-parent, you may be wondering what your options are. Can you get sole custody of the kids? The answer is yes, but it will take some strategizing and planning. The first step is to speak with a child custody lawyer who will review your specific situation and let you know what the most suitable strategy is. Read along to learn how your legal representative will help.

Prove Your Co-Parent's Violence Against You and the Kids

To successfully win sole custody, you will need to prove that the other parent is unfit to care for the child due to their violence. You can achieve this by gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. You will also need to be prepared to testify in court about the violence you have experienced.

Help You File a Restraining Order

As a parent who has been the victim of domestic violence, the first thing your custody lawyer will do when you reach out to them is help you file a restraining order against the abusive parent. This will help to protect you and your children from further harm. The restraining order can also be used as evidence in court to help prove that the other parent is violent.

Get a Child Custody Evaluation

Suppose you cannot agree with the other parent on custody, the court may order a child custody evaluation. This is where a mental health professional will interview both parents and observe each parent's interaction with the child. The court will then use the evaluation to make a custody decision.

Argument in Court

If the case goes to court, your attorney will present all of the evidence they have gathered to prove that the other parent is violent and unfit to care for the child. The goal is to convince the judge that awarding sole custody to you is in the best interest of the child.

Modify the Custody Order

Once you have been awarded sole custody, your attorney can help you modify the custody order if necessary. For example, if the other parent violates the restraining order or becomes violent again, you can file a motion to have them removed from the custody order entirely.

If you've been worried about your kids' safety when they're under your co-parent's care, now is the time to act. Hire a child custody lawyer to help you pursue sole custody.