4 Tips For Regaining Custody Of Estranged Children

Roughly 25% of children lived with only one parent in 2020 (and another 4% lived without either of their parents). The estranged parent should work toward rebuilding that relationship as quickly as possible before the damage becomes irreparable. Unfortunately, the process of regaining visitation and custody can be long and arduous. If you find yourself in this situation, use these 4 tips for regaining custody of estranged children.

1. Create a Safe and Stable Environment 

Every parent must provide a safe and stable environment for children in order to gain custody. Children are not considered safe if they are forced to endure neglect or reckless behavior, such as substance abuse. Children must also have a stable home, which can be difficult for parents struggling financially. Dependable family members can help create a safe environment for the children, but they may need to get involved with the court proceedings, too. 

2. Obtain Your Independence

You can rely on help in the beginning. Eventually, though, you'll need to prove that you can support yourself and your children on your own. Children cost a lot of money, so you'll need to prove that you make enough to get your own home. It may take some time or extra training to reach that point in your career, so make your professional life a priority. 

3. Stay Out of Trouble 

Criminal charges will persuade the court to limit time with your children even more, so make a point to stay out of trouble and stay away from people who get in trouble. If you already have charges, you should work hard to satisfy your judgment. When you show the court that you take your charges seriously and completed your sentence, the court will view you as rehabilitated. The longer you can go without new charges, the more likely you'll get joint custody.

4. Put In Effort 

On top of everything else, you need to demonstrate your commitment to parenthood. In order to prove your commitment, take advantage of any visitation you can get. You should also make court cases a priority. Show up and show up presentable. Especially in the case of abandonment, you'll need to prove to the judge that you want to be an involved parent. 

Another way to show effort is to get a family law attorney. The lawyer tells the court that you mean business. You can still go through mediation instead of taking the case to trial, but you'll have more power on your side.