If you no longer want to continue with your custody and visitation case, you can file a motion asking the judge to dismiss it. However, if the other parent has already come to court or filed legal papers in the case, both you and the other parent must sign the motion for dismissal.
Ideal custody witnesses are witnesses who typically are neutral: teachers, coaches, medical providers; parents of the children's friends.
Mothers historically have won more custody battles due to traditional roles and perceptions of mothers as the primary caregivers. However, this trend is changing as courts increasingly focus on the best interests of the child, considering many factors beyond traditional roles.
The custodial parent frequently moves. The custodial parent frequently changes jobs or has unpredictable working hours. The custodial parent has experienced a significant change in income. The custodial parent routinely fails to make the child available for visitation with the other parent.
Habeas Corpus is a legal action through which a person can seek relief from unlawful detention. In custody disputes, a parent may file a writ of Habeas Corpus asking the court to order the other parent to return the child.
In New York, this type of substitute motion is called an "Order to Show Cause." An order to show cause can be heard anytime the court directs, even fewer than the usual eight days, and even as short as a few hours later, if the court is convinced there's a real emergency.
Yes- you can voluntarily dismiss your child custody petition. Be sure that your written agreement states very clearly that the dismissal is ``without prejudice,'' to preserve your right to re-file in the event she does not follow through on her agreement.
Should you end up in court, proof that you are a responsible, loving parent goes a long way toward avoiding a custody battle. Don't share the messy details with your children. Don't use child custody to punish your ex-spouse. Follow any instructions from the court.
Either parent can ask the judge to change parenting time in an existing family law case by filing a motion to change parenting time. It could be a divorce, separate maintenance, custody, paternity, or family support case, but there must already be a custody order or judgment in the case.