If you are facing a divorce and there are children in the picture, you may be wondering how custody will be dealt with. Usually, the parents come up with an agreement dealing with the children, but in some cases, the judge may make the decision. If you are hoping to keep your children, you should avoid the following ways that will cause you to lose custody of your children in a divorce.
What Does Losing Custody Mean?
In family court, losing custody of your children means that you won’t be awarded sole or joint physical custody of your children. In some cases, you may find that your visitation rights will be supervised or limited.
Lose Custody by Child Abuse
You can guarantee that if physical child abuse is found, you will lose custody of your child. Physical child abuse is characterized as abuse that causes burns, bruises, marks, wounds, or scars on your child. In most cases, a light spanking as punishment isn’t considered abuse, but you should be very careful and look into alternative ways to punish your children to protect your rights during a divorce.
If you suspect your spouse is abusing your child, you should report it right away and be sure that it is covered in your divorce case. Document any instances as they arise and keep a journal listing things that your child tells you about or things you may see.
Child Abduction
Child abduction is a serious offense and may cause you to lose custody of your children. The problem is, you may think you aren’t doing any harm and have no intention of actually abducting the child, but still find yourself with the charge. The important thing is to know what is considered abduction in your state.
If you are charged with abducting your child, you may lose both physical and legal custody of him or her. In some cases, it may only be temporary, but that depends on the state laws and the severity of the abduction.
Child Neglect
Child neglect is sometimes considered child abuse, but it is important to distinguish between the two in this case. Neglect is considered a failure to act and can have to do with grooming, housing, feeding, or clothing your child.
In some cases, it may be obvious, such as not properly feeding the child and causing him or her to be malnourished. In other cases, it may be less obvious, such as providing a living environment that isn’t suitable or safe for the child.
These are just three reasons you or your spouse may lose custody of your children, so you should know how to avoid them and how to spot them in your family.