3 Tips to Help Win Your Child Custody Case

At Gibbons Law Firm we represent clients in child custody cases quite regularly, and we are fully cognizant of how deeply important the outcome of each case is. Everyone involved knows that it is not just the spouses that will be affected, but the children as well. We also realize that because the stakes are so very important, emotions can be more easily triggered. For all these reasons and more, our divorce attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks are here to help parents through their child custody cases in Central Missouri and guide them every step of the way towards a successful outcome. We know how to communicate with our clients to understand what is most important to them, and we can negotiate skillfully with experience to voice our client’s wishes and work to incorporate them into the divorce agreement. But you can fight too, and help your chances of being awarded custody by focusing on 3 important things. To find out what they are, just keep reading.

1) Demonstrate Consistent Stability

The courts know that going through a divorce is very hard on the children. They don’t have any choice about what’s happening, but they will be directly impacted by it. If it is possible to avoid unnecessary disruption in their day-to-day lives, that is usually seen to be for their best interest. If one parent plans to move away and require the kids to move away from family and friends, or to change schools, or to otherwise creative disruption that isn’t necessary, that could have an impact on custody arrangements. Other factors will be considered as well such as income, and your level of participation with the kids. Are you available to go to teachers meetings, doctors appointments, extracurricular activities, and otherwise be there for your child in a consistent and nurturing way? The more you show the ability and heart to provide a consistent, stable home environment where your child can be safe and thrive, the better impression you will make when you are being considered for child custody.

2) Be Professional

Although what you’re going through is a deeply personal matter, you want to think very professionally when it comes to your behavior. Because you’ll be working with your ex in the raising of your child, it is important that you demonstrate the ability to be amicable, fair, and cooperative. This is especially important when it comes to sharing time with the kids if you are granted joint custody. This includes not letting your child be put in the middle of things or feeling forced to choose sides. No child wants to hear one parent criticize the other in front of them or hear negative things about a parent, even if it is true. In fact, the more justified you are in criticizing the other parent, the more important it is that you are successful in being granted custody so your child has a positive and healthy home environment. So keep your goal in mind, and be positive and professional throughout your child custody case at Lake of the Ozarks.

3) Say Calm and Controlled

It is not at all unreasonable to be angry and bitter when going through a divorce, but letting those emotions show will not help you and can very well work against you. Again, no matter how justified your emotions are it is extremely important that you demonstrate self control, especially regarding your ex. You don’t want to give the appearance of being a hothead, or aggressive. It is best to avoid discussing your divorce with friends and even family, don’t talk about it on social media and be aware that what you put on social media can be used against you if it shows negative character or questionable behavior.

Rely on Our Experience to Fight for Your Family

We’re not saying that any of these things are easy, especially with everything you’re going through right now. But we care about the outcome, and we know from experience that keeping these things top of mind during your child custody case in mid-Missouri can truly help your chances of being granted custody of your child. Your family’s future depends on this process, and we don’t want you to walk this path alone. We want you to know that you can have a free initial consultation with our law firm in Lake Ozark to find out your legal rights and get some guidance on how to proceed. We want the best for you and your family, and we are happy to help you. We also share legal tips and helpful information regularly on social media, so if you would like to stay in touch, be sure to follow us using the links below.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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3 Tips to Help Your Child Custody Case - Dos and Don’ts From Gibbons Law Firm

Child custody can be one of the most important factors in a divorce for many parents. The idea of not being able to see your children or your children not being able to see both parents when they want and need to is unthinkable. Having a child custody attorney that can walk you through the process for the best possible outcome is of utmost importance. At Gibbons Law Firm, we work with people in their child custody cases at Lake of the Ozarks all the time. We know there are certain things that will help their chances of being awarded custody, and other things that will be detrimental. So, if you are trying to get custody of your child, we have three things in today’s blog that can help you improve your chances.

1) Fairness & Cooperation

Going through a divorce can be a time when you get reminded of all the reasons that you and your spouse are splitting up. But thinking of all those reasons will not help you through your child custody case. The more amicable and professional you can be when it comes to interacting with your soon-to-be ex, the better it will look to the courts. For example, you want to demonstrate that you’re going to be fair when it comes to sharing time with the kids, and that you will be able to work with your future ex in raising the children in separate homes. This also means keeping it positive around the kids and not putting them in the middle. It is very unfair to a child to hear one of their parents criticize the other or try to get them to take sides. So keep it professional, keep it as positive as possible, and keep the end goal in mind.

2) Keeping Your Cool

Divorces can bring out a lot of emotions, especially when it comes to the children. Your job is to control that emotion and not let it spill over and be witnessed by others who can use it against you. Don’t talk about your divorce on social media, don’t criticize your ex in front of family and friends, be courteous and avoid demonstrating anger or aggression. If the courts discover a pattern of behavior that shows abuse or aggression or addiction in either parent, that will definitely be a factor when child custody is determined.

3) Having a Stable Home Life

Children of divorcing parents face a lot of transition and understandable feelings of loss. The more stable their home life can be with the custodial parent, the easier it will be for them to work through this time in a healthy manner. Most often, kids will want to remain in the same area, so they can maintain relationships with family members and friends. They may not want to have to move to a new school. The courts will want to avoid unnecessary disruption in their lives considering they’re already going through so much. The courts will also want to see that you have a suitable income, that you are nurturing and active in your child’s life, and that you will be involved in things like parent teacher meetings, sports, helping with homework, and just being there for your child in general. So, as you are planning on where you will move and what your next step will be, consider your home environment and what it needs to be for your children so you can help your chances of getting custody of your child.

Gibbons Law Firm Cares About Your Family

We know how important child custody cases are, and we care about the outcome for you and your family. If you are going through a divorce and need advice from our mid-Missouri divorce attorneys on how to improve your chances of being awarded child custody at Lake of the Ozarks, reach out to our law firm in Lake Ozark. Your initial consultation is free, and we are happy to sit down with you to inform you of your legal rights and help guide you as you make these important decisions. We want the best possible outcome for you and your kids, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Give us a call today, and be sure to follow us on social media if you’d like to hear more tips and helpful information. We have links below you can use to follow us on your favorite platform.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Things To Consider to Help your Child Custody Case

For parents facing divorce, custody of the kids can often be the most important aspect of the entire case to one or both parents. The idea of not being able to see your children on a regular basis, or your children not being able to see you whenever they want to can be devastating. Gibbons Law Firm understands that you want the best chance possible for being awarded custody of your child. Our Lake Ozark Divorce Lawyers know the factors the court will be considering when determining who gets custody of your child. If you would like to have some things to think about that will give you insight as to how to navigate, keep reading this blog.

1) Do you share fairly?

Other than in rare occasions, it is usually considered best for the kids to have quality time with both parents. The more you show a willingness to ensure your child will maintain a relationship and spend time with your ex, the more favorably it will be seen. If one parent appears reluctant to allow the child equal or fair time with the other parent or tries to hinder that relationship, it could reflect poorly on that parent when it comes to being awarded child custody.

2) How does your child feel?

Your child may have a preference on who gets custody that has nothing to do with his love or closeness with either parent. Perhaps the child doesn’t want to have to change schools or be away from friends, neighbors, and family members in the community where they have grown up. There may be other issues that are specific to the parent, such as the child feeling more safe or secure in one parent's home versus the other. Depending on the age of the child, it is possible that the court will at least hear and consider the child’s feelings in the process of deciding.

3) Are both parents' homes stable?

The more consistency that can be maintained for the child through the difficult transition of divorce the better. When a child is able to maintain relationships with siblings and other significant people in their life, they can feel less loss and disruption. If one parent plans to move, that will be taken into consideration. It is also important for the court to know that there's a steady income and that the home is in a safe neighborhood. You also want to show that you are going to be involved in your child’s life and participate in things like school events, sports, parent-teacher meetings, doctors’ appointments, helping with homework, etc. It is good for the court to see you are going to play an active role and be there for your child.

4 ) Are you as amicable as possible with your ex?

Obviously, there are reasons you are getting divorced, but it is still to your benefit to set those reasons aside emotionally when it comes to seeking custody of your child. You want to be cooperative and work with your ex as much as possible. It will be an indication to the court on how you will work with your child’s other parent when it comes to sharing time and keeping it positive around the kids. Avoid being adversarial and never put your child in the middle or make them feel like they have to choose between one parent or the other. Don’t criticize your child’s other parent in front of them and try to remember that your child is part of both you and your ex and they deserve to have a loving relationship with both parents, regardless of how their parents feel about each other.

5) Do you let your emotions get the best of you?

It’s completely understandable to be emotional at a time like this but showing any kind of aggression or hostile temperament can seriously hurt your case. Throughout the entire divorce process, it is best to stay off social media, do not talk about your ex even with friends and family. When you're meeting with your ex, dropping the kids off, talking on the phone, or in court, you must always remember the importance of maintaining your composure and carrying yourself in a professional manner. That being said, if a parent shows a pattern of abuse or aggression, or has addiction issues, that will definitely be factored in when deciding whether they’re suitable to have custody of their child.

Gibbons Law Firm Can Help!

If you are going through a divorce and want to do everything you can to show the court you should be awarded custody, our child custody lawyers at Lake of the Ozarks can guide you through the process. Our law firm in central Missouri will inform you of your legal rights and advise you so you are able to make the best decisions and achieve the best possible outcome in your divorce and child custody case. Call us for a free initial consultation today. If you would like to hear from us regularly with our legal tips and helpful information, use the links below to follow us on social media.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Ways to Help Your Cause During a Child Custody Case

Child custody can be one of the most critical factors for a parent considering divorce.  The idea of a child not being able to see a parent as much as they would like and need due to custody arrangements is heartbreaking. If you are a parent going through a divorce, Gibbons Law Firm would like to share a few things you can be mindful of to improve your chances of being awarded custody.  Our Lake of the Ozarks divorce lawyers know the court is looking for whatever is in the best interest of the child. With that in mind, there are several factors that can be considered.  To learn how to help your cause during a child custody case, keep reading this blog!  We will discuss 5 things you can do to give yourself the best chance of being awarded custody of your child.

Fair Sharing of Time

In most cases, it is best for kids to be able to spend time with both parents.  The parent who shows more willingness to allow the child to have a fair share of time with the other parent and who does not try to hinder that process will most likely be seen more favorably when it comes to determining child custody.

Child’s Wishes

Your child may have a preference for which parent he/she wants to have custody.  It may be something as simple as the child not wanting to change schools, or leave friends, or the community in which they have grown up so far.  They may feel more secure or stable in one parent’s home versus the other.  The court will factor these things into the decision.

Parents’ Mental and Emotional Stability

If a parent shows a history of being aggressive or abusive, having addiction issues, or being a “hot head” that can be a serious detriment to their child custody case.  Even though this is an extremely emotional situation, it is key to your case that you maintain self-control at all times – including on social media, when you are meeting with your ex, when in court, around your kids and other family members, etc.

Ensure a Stable Home Environment

The court will want to see that the child has an environment that will allow consistent interaction not only with parents, but also with siblings, and other people who play a significant and positive role in the child’s life.  Having a steady income and a safe neighborhood is important, as well as regular participation in the child’s extracurricular activities like sports, school plays, doctor’s appointments, parent-teacher meetings, etc. If either parent has plans to relocate and change the primary residence that will also be considered in the decision for child custody.

Be Cooperative

This can be a major challenge when dealing with an ex, but it will reflect directly on your temperament and how you will conduct yourself as a parent sharing your child with the other parent.  You may be very justified in refusing to cooperate, but it will not help your cause when it comes to child custody. It is especially important to avoid being negative or adversarial with your ex and that you do not put your child in the middle of the drama by criticizing his/her other parent to or in front of them.  The more agreeable you can be the better.  Your Central Missouri divorce attorney should be able to help advise and redirect you to keep cool and focus on the end goal.

Gibbons Law Firm is Prepared to Help you with Your Child Custody!

Our caring child custody lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks have your back and know how to help you through this difficult time.  You can count on our Lake Ozark law firm to advise you and guide you with the legal information that you need to make the best decisions for your children.  If you have any questions about your child custody case, please do not hesitate to give us a call for your free consultation. GibbonsLaw Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Be sure to follow us on social media using the links below to stay up-to-date on all our latest legal tips and helpful information. 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Actions to Avoid To Make Custody Disputes EASIER

A child custody dispute is no fun for anyone involved. Our divorce lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks advise you to keep emotions out of it as much as possible and do everything you can to make things run smoothly. We understand that can be one of the hardest things to do when children are involved and may be easier said than done, but we can help. We can be your voice of reason when you are too emotionally involved to think strategically. Our Lake Ozark law firm is here to give you a few actions to avoid to make custody disputes easier. Call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation, we can be reached at (573) 348-2211.

Actions to Avoid To Make Custody Disputes EASIER

Putting your children in a DRAMATIC living situation.
A loving and stable environment can help your children grow and thrive. A divorce can throw a wrench in that, but it's important to work toward providing the best place possible for your children. A child needs consistent love and it's important to show that you are capable of providing that for your kids, especially during a child custody dispute.

Not taking the time to be with your children.
Especially if your family is going through a divorce, it's important to be there for your kids. No matter what they are involved in, show up and show support for your little one. They are going through this new transition, just like you are, and it's vital to be there for them. Whether it's little league or another school activity, make an effort to be involved in your child's life.

Letting your emotions get the best of you.
Stay in control of your anger or aggression at all times. While the stress builds and the pressure of the looming divorce may be weighing down on you, you have to keep your composure. This can help show that you are a stable figure in your child's life and a good influence on them. Don't let a moment of weakness jeopardize your custody dispute.

Speaking poorly about your ex in front of your children.
During a divorce, you are likely not seeing eye to eye with your spouse. Don't let your children feel the negative effects of this. Keep your comments and feelings about your spouse to yourself or vent with another adult. It's inappropriate to force your feelings on your children - after all the other person you are talking about is their parent too!

Gibbons Law Firm is Here For Your Custody Dispute Legal Needs!

Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks has helped several clients with their legal needs when it comes to divorce, child custody disputes, etc. We understand how difficult this can be for you emotionally and we are here to help you with whatever legal needs arise. Give us a call today for your free consultation. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Factors That Influence Custody Arrangements

Divorce is a trying process with countless details demanding attention. If you have children, child custody will probably feel far more important than any other issue that may arise. It likely goes without saying that you'll want to do everything in your power to ensure you can remain actively involved in your children's life. If you are wondering how the Court determines custody and what you can do to improve your chances of being awarded full or partial custody, our family attorney in Osage Beach MO is here to help.

Providing For The Child's Best Interests

When determining whom should be awarded custody, the Court has one primary mission: to award custody in the manner that will best benefit the child. The Court is concerned only for the child's best interests; your and your spouse's emotions and desires will carry little weight. The Court will evaluate several factors to determine how well-equipped each of the parents are to care for the child's best interests. Here are a few examples of these factors:

1. Involvement In The Child's Life
No matter what your child's age is, he needs a parent who will be there to support him. Whether that support comes in the form of attending little league baseball games or helping him fill out college applications, the Court will want to see that you have been actively involved in your child's life in the past, that you continue to stay involved during the divorce proceedings, and that you can be trusted to remain involved in the future.

2. Lifestyle
Some lifestyles easily lend themselves to caring for a child, and others do not. If you routinely work 60 hours a week and frequently travel for work, for example, the Court may decide that you will not be able to dedicate appropriate time to raising your child and award primary custody to the other parent.

3. The Child's Wishes
If your child is old enough to express her opinion, her wishes will likely factor heavily into the Court's ultimate decision. The child must be able to articulate the reason for her opinion, and if the reason is valid, the Court may be inclined to oblige.

4. Stable Environment
Children need stability and consistency in order to thrive. If you change residences frequently or regularly have new romantic partners, this may negatively impact your odds of being awarded custody. The Court will want to see that you can provide a stable home for your child.

5. Alcoholism & Abuse
Obviously, alcoholism and abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or otherwise) do not lend themselves to a supportive, loving home. If one parent has a history of any of these issues, the Court will likely award custody to the non-offending parent. In these instances, visitation rights for the offending parent may also be severely limited (or denied altogether).

Proving You Can Provide For Your Child's Best Interests

These five are only a few examples of the countless different factors that can influence custody arrangements. The Court will also look at religious and cultural preferences, the parents' mental and physical health, opportunities to remain in contact with other family members (such as grandparents), and more.

When you file for divorce in Camden County MO, it will be up to you to prove to the Court that you are able to fulfill all of the responsibilities associated with raising a child. Fortunately, you do not have to face this journey alone. Our Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney will be here to guide and represent you along every step of the way. Call us at (573) 348-2211 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.