Defining child custody arrangements is one of the most challenging elements of a divorce. While you can earn more money or replace the assets you lose, you cannot replace your kid’s childhood. You only have one chance to spend time with them.
If you managed to negotiate an agreement with the other parent, hopefully, you both accept it. If, however, the court had the final word, at least one of you may be unhappy with the outcome. The battle may only be beginning.
There are many underhanded ways to contest custody
Let’s say your partner does not like the custody decision. They could challenge it in court, or they could revert to more subversive tactics. Here are a few tricks they might use:
- Turning up late for exchanges: You are on a tight schedule and need to hand over your kid at 6 p.m. to be at work by 6:30. Your ex knows that and rolls up at 6:20, making you late for work again.
- “Forgetting” arrangements you made: “Oh, I’m sorry, did I say I could look after the kids this weekend?” You are left with a choice, cancel your trip away, or leave your kid in the lurch.
- Trying to influence your child: Mommy says men shouldn’t cuddle little girls. Daddy says you’re going to move to California with your new boyfriend and leave me.
- Making your child choose: Your ex rings up and tells you she gave your child a choice to see you this weekend or go to Disneyland with her.
If your ex is playing dirty, the person who will suffer is your child. If you need to challenge them, maintain the high ground and use the proper legal channels to contest child custody arrangements.
