Custody Dispute Tactics

When two spouses disagree over something as important as child custody, they are likely to pull out all the tactics they have in their repertoire.

Unfortunately, for many, this means making attacks on the character of the other parent in an attempt to challenge their parental abilities.

This is especially common when parents undergo custody evaluations, and fighting back is often expensive and exhausting for both parents.

Even the best intentioned of spouses may find themselves questioning the other parent’s character to gain the upper hand in a custody dispute. Indeed, this is the fate of many custody cases that end up in court. Though they may gain the upper hand, these parents may be exposing their children to animosity and undermining their future co-parenting relationship. Furthermore, if used in court, character attacks can result in a custody decision that may not be in your child’s best interests. It’s easy to display poor character during a difficult divorce, and that doesn’t necessarily make you a bad parent. Holding this against your spouse is ill-advised and could hurt your child.

A Safe Place To Mediate

When couples take their custody dispute to court, the adversarial nature of litigation can bring out the worst in them. Unfortunately, some of what is said during litigation can be included in the case record and used against either spouse. Many couples sidestep this difficult experience by mediating their custody disputes. This help preserve the family’s privacy. For custody disputes, in particular, mediation can help parents in conflict negotiate an agreement without the need for character attacks and other tactics. Mediation can also shield your child from the stress and anxiety custody litigation generates.

Consult with an experienced Massachusetts divorce mediator if you have a custody dispute and want to protect your child from custody litigation. A mediator can explain the mediation process and the roles of both participants and mediator. From there, you can make an educated decision about how best to handle your custody dispute while protecting your children and your peace of mind.

Do you have concerns over custody?

Mediation Advantage Services is here to help.

Law Office of Polly Tatum is highly experienced in Massachusetts family law and can help you and your spouse negotiate a custody agreement that protects your child’s best interests. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session.

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