By Taivan Acer
Child Support Payments are always a huge financial obligation to every divorced parent. For this reason, most of them are more than willing to do the most to avoid making these payments. One of the most used tactics by non-custodial fathers is pursuing custody so that they wouldn’t have to pay child support to the other parent. Does this tactic work? How can you prevent such a scenario if the father wants custody to avoid child support from happening and what can you do when you suspect your ex-spouse is fighting you for child custody only so that he doesn’t have to pay child support? Here’s everything you need to know.
At this point, for the child’s sake, you having custody would be the best thing moving forward. So, you need to ensure that you get custody. Family courts come across such scenarios quite often, and they aren’t easily swayed. However, you still have to prepare for the case and make your position stronger. Here are a few tips on how to do so.
Keep Evidence of You as The Primary Caretaker
The primary caretaker is the parent who provides majority care for the child. You should be able to prove that you are that person. Documents such as school reports and medical records go a really long way in showing your position as the primary caretaker. Write down your child’s daily routine and indicate the role that you play in that routine. You can also document your child’s specific concerns such as allergies, bathing or grooming regimen, and hobbies. When put together, all these little things might just be enough evidence to prove that you are the one that provides majority care to the child.
Gather Evidence of The Other Parent’s Absence
You can also show how the other parent, in this case, the non-custodial father, has been avoiding responsibility. Texts or email conversations showing how often the parent has been absent could go a really long way. Documentation of missed child support payments can also be of help.
Gain Support from Others
Other adults who have a critical role in your child’s life will be very helpful. People like the child’s grandparents, teachers, doctors, aunties and even parents of their closest friends can testify to the absenteeism or lack of responsibility by the non-custodial father.
Consult A Lawyer
The most important thing to do is to talk to a family lawyer. They have a perfect understanding of the law and have handled such cases plenty of times in the past, so they know how these kinds of things are usually fair. They are best placed to offer advice and also give their professional opinion on what you should do.
In conclusion, custody battles are always a sensitive matter, especially considering that the subject of the case, the child, is innocent. As much as you may want to get custody, always make sure that everything you do is in the best interest of the child and that the end result is set to benefit the child the most.
