How to win over the court in a custody trial?

Question

My husband and I are trying to win custody of my 3 step children. The two older ones (13&16) live with us while the 7 year old still lives with his mom. Without getting into all the negative points about the mother, what are some good “selling” phrases or statements my husband and I could make to win over the children’s attorney, judge, and maybe jury so all the children will be with us?

Answer 1

Stability compassion and common sense.

Assuming that the older ones have already made the decision that they WANT to live with you, play that card as well, splitting up the siblings would be a bad choice. I.e. we already have two of them, give us custody of the thrid.

If you guys are going to trial by jury, dress conservative, if the court will allow, keep the older ones close to you, either at the table with you, or in the seats right behind you. Let the jury see you dealing with them, smiles, pats on the back/hand etc.

Sounds pretty crappy, but it's all in the what the jury perceives. And the jury's perception will soon be your reality.

Answer 2

Family court has no jury. Its just you and the judge and lawyers. At 7 years old that child is old enough to decided where he wants to live. If he is saying that he wants to live with you and the other children already do the judge might take that into consideration. If that 7 year old says he does not want to live with you he will most likely stay with his mother. She has to basically be a drug addict and neglectful mother to lose custody of her children. If you have no way to prove that, she will retain custody of that child. Sorry to break it too you.

Hey Michael, you cant bring kids to family court. If you have them there you are in contempt. Unless the child is requested to be there, they have no place in court

Answer 3

If you don't know what to say, then maybe these kids shouldn't be with you. You know what is for the child's best interest, and if you do love them, you wouldn't refer to them as your step children. If the children would be happier with his x-wife, they should be there. Do you take care of them better? Is it right to take a child away from the person who suffered through the birth of the children? Hasn't she already suffered enough , with you taking away her 13 and 16 year old?Is she an unfit mother? Because if she isn't there is no reason whatsoever that you should take the last child away from that woman who has already been through so much.

Answer 4

There are no "selling" phrases or statements, your HUSBAND not YOU has to be able to prove that the mother is unfit. He has to show irrefutable proof that she is an unfit parent. If he tries to "sell" the idea to the court the court will throw out his petition altogether.

Answer 5

Jury? What kind of custody trail is it? Just be the better parent.

Answer 6

It is in the best interest of the children to all be together.
You and your husband can offer a more stable living environment for him.

Answer 7

Be perpared. Have all the info. that pertains to the case. Call them your childern, You might not want to get dirt on her, but it helps, only if its true. Make sure you are only doing this for the best interest for the child. Be calm, & honest.

Answer 8

my fiance just won custody of his daughter and he did it by showing the court his proof that the mother was a bad mother. he did it with pictures and police reports.

Answer 9

If you have to THINK about what to say, or how to ACT, maybe you shouldn't be doing this.... children are not pawns in a game - they need to be where it is IN THEIR BEST INTEREST to be - I do suggest you say as little as possible unless asked, keep your mouth shut. The last thing you want to do, is look spiteful against the mother.

Answer 10

Stop referring to them as your "step children"

...and don't wear that hat.