Attending my first child custody hearing , what should I expect ?
You talk when you are addressed by the judge. Your attorney does most of the talking. If you do get upset over anything the baby’s momma says, just bite your tongue, and relax. Don’t overreact in court. Let her look like the liar she is, and if she acts up that will be to your advantage. Good luck to you.
Depending what state you live in is what you can expect. Washington is a father friendly state, but the father usually can’t have the baby over night until the baby is 2. If the mother allows it, as I did, the state will support that. Since your son is on formula, she won’t be able to use the feeding as an excuse not to let you. If these accusations come up in court, DON’T show anger, you need to show hurt on your face. Also, offer to do a blood test weekly to prove that you don’t smoke pot. If you don’t legitimately have any reason to say she is a bad mother, say that you do trust her as mother and aren’t denying that, but, you want to be a good father too. You also might want to ask the court to deduct your child support from your pay check. Again, in WA, it makes it easier for the father. First, you aren’t paying taxes on that money, you have proof of payment, and most of all, you don’t have to deal with her about money. You will have to deal with her all of the time and this would
Stay calm when you are in front of the judge don’t try to argue with her. If you are buying things let the judge know, take receipts. Make lies of you own, if you have to. Tell the judge that your son has a room at your house, sell yourself. Say everything you can to make your self look good. It’s going to be hard on you just because you are the father and mother’s usually have the upper hand in this case. If she tells the jugde that you abuse her, tell the judge that it’s not true, only when it’s your time to talk. Good Luck!!!
Just prepare to get screwed. Women get everything because they’re recognized as parents and dad are recognized as the money supply. We live in Washington state…….it’s not a father friendly state. My husband has to drive 9 hours every other Friday after a 50 hour work-week. He and the kid get home at 2:00 in the morning……..all because the mother refused to meet half way and she got her way. We pay $739.40 a month and the kid is still in rags. She lives in a $400,000 house that her husband had with his first wife. Why should we help pay for her housepayment? When the boy lived with us, she didn’t pay us one dime.
