Will i have any problems in getting custody of my son if i have committed a crime of theft/shoplifting once?

Question

I live in UK. I may be going through seperation or divorce soon. I have a 4 yr old son. I have been arrested about 6 months ago for a mistake of shoplifting i did as i was going through a bit of rough phase then. I am well educated person with good morals but have committed this impulsive mistake. I deeply regret my mistake and have paid the fine. Can this cause any problems in getting custody of my son?

Answer 1

I don't think it would cause a problem. If they bring it up just explain as you have here what happened. Shoplifting isn't good but it's not like you were arrested for cocaine possession or abuse of some sort.

Answer 2

In any state custody will be determined based on a variety of factors including some of the following: who has been the primary caregiver which parent can facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent the emotional bonds between the child and the parent; and so on. Yes, in an ugly custody battle both sides will bring out all th negative bad stuff about the other person. Your ex will throw the shoplifting thing out there. The best you can do is be honest with the judge, own up to it, admit the mistake and tell what you have done to deal with it. Might look good if you can say you entered some therapy/counseling for people who shoplift. If you are a good person, a good parent, someone who loves your children and can take care of them then a small transgression in the past will not be determinative in the custody question. Good luck.

Answer 3

It could cause problems but I don't think anyone will base there final decision on it. the courts are looking for what is in the best interest of the child...they look for stability, a thriving environment, and capability's. Just don't say it was an impulsive mistake because that makes you look unstable. If it is brought up just say I made a mistake I regret doing it and I did everything the court asked of me...Good luck

Answer 4

Your ex may bring it up at a custody hearing to show that you are not a responsible person. But Judges are usually pretty good and picking through the pile of rubbish that people spew out about one another and look at the relevant facts as they relate to you as a parent. Was your child with you when the arrest occurred? If not, I don't see that it will make a huge difference.

Good luck, custody disputes are horrible.

Answer 5

It's a minor offence & appears to be your only crime on Police record. Right?

They'll be more interested in why you felt the need to commit a crime, rather than the action of breaking the law. You need to prove that you're mentally stable and a positive influence to your son.

You should be fine though, as the mother is always the primary choice for custody.

Answer 6

It could have an negative impact.

It would depend on if the other parent wants custody of your son. In this case your shoplifting conviction could be used as a weapon against you. Do you have a soliciter or legal advisor? If so, be upfront and honest with your advisor. Discuss the implications of your conviction with that person so you can both come up with a strategy that will offset it.

The ends of marriages are always painful, humiliating and difficult and I am sorry you are facing one. Best of luck to you and your little boy.

Answer 7

Any provable offense could be used as evidence of lack of fitness as a parent. Anything that sets a bad example or would question your ability to provide for the safety and maintenance of the minor child could be presented.
It would help to have evidence and witnesses who can attest to your positive attributes and suitability as the custodial parent. Some of this depends on whether your spouse seeks custody as well. If your spouse does not bring it up, will the court do any looking into your background? Since it occurred fairly recently, you could be asked to explain it at least.

Answer 8

you have been what i call an unofficial theif, if you were an officialy accepted theif there would have been no problems.official theives blood suckers and money grabbing parasites are massive companies and they are rolling in money they have conned out of people, top politicians screwing the expence accounts robbing the tax payer they are not there to work for us, they are there to screw us, you are only a theif if you are down and poor, one of the reasons for that is british businesses have been sabotaged and over the years thousands upon thousands have lost their jobs because everything is being surrendered to alian businesses.You are in a economic warfare situation your country is under attack economicaly speaking. the gov will not defend you if you are british, all you have done is try to defend your own position in an impossable situation,though it be technicaly wrong it is defence.I dont know how this will effect you as regards your child, but dont feel to bad about yourself. we are all being robbed daily by those at the top not the bottom.They like attacking the poor because the poor cant fight, not got the money.

Answer 9

If it's anything like the US over there you may have an uphill battle if you are a male. If your the woman most places still think it better to be with you and shoplifting is not that serious a crime.
The woman basically has to be considered nearly unfit for the father to be on even playing gound. This probably because women are considered to have a greater emotional connection to the child than the man.

Answer 10

That is a minor offence and any judge would not look at a thing like that for a child custody case, it's not like you were a member of a Bonnie and Clyde gang or something.