If you are a parent who has lost custody of their child, you likely want to regain custody. However, once the courts have taken away your child, it is not always easy to get your child back. The good news is that it is not only possible, but it happens routinely in family courts. It is imperative to seek legal advice from a family attorney, but the following are a few general things you will need to do to regain custody.
You need to address the underlying issue
When a parent loses their child, there is a serious issue that led to this. In some cases, it is alcohol or drugs, but there are many situations. You need to look at your life to see what can be done to make the necessary changes. There is drug and alcohol rehabilitation. For violence, there are anger management programs, and for mental health issues, there is often mediation. You need to be honest about the underlying cause of the custody loss, and make the necessary changes in your life. You will need to document your progress.
You need to obtain gainful employment
Your job needs to be steady, so a court believes you will have this job in the future. A family court judge will want you to demonstrate that you can not only obtain a job but, hold down a job as well. You should also have a home that is clean, safe, and secure. Your home, along with the financial security of a steady job, will demonstrate to both the court and a child services worker that you have created a healthy environment for your child.
You need to be patient
The reason for this is that regaining custody of your child can be a long process. One of the key ingredients for convincing a family court judge, along with a social worker, that you have turned over a new leaf is time. Many people can complete a rehabilitation program for substance abuse but then go right back to their old ways. Taking medications for a mental health issue may be easy, but staying on them may be quite another problem. Whatever the case may be for you, getting your child back will not happen overnight.
There are several things that you will need to do to regain custody of your child. The reason you lost custody of your child to begin with must be addressed. Profound changes will need to be made in your life. You will also need to create a safe home for your child, including financial security from gainful employment. And you will need to be patient because it takes time to convince judges and social workers of these changes. Your first step should be to consult with a child custody attorney. They can give you advice concerning your specific circumstances.
For more information, contact a child custody attorney like Kenneth J. Molnar.
Share25 January 2022
