Because legal proceedings are unpredictable, there’s no foolproof way to guarantee a particular outcome for any given case. You can, however, take steps to increase the chances of securing a satisfactory arrangement. If you’re facing a contentious child custody battle, for example, considering your answers to the questions the judge might ask helps ensure you’re not caught off-guard during the hearing.

What a Judge Inquires About in a Custody Hearing

What is your employment situation?

The judge will inevitably ask both parents about their career trajectories. The court wants to review your education, job history, and future goals. Such questions allow the judge to determine which party might be able to meet the children’s financial needs in the coming years.

What is your level of communication with each other?

Because it’s almost always in a child’s interests to maintain a relationship with both parents, judges want to determine how cooperative you might be with shared parenting. If one party refuses to communicate with the other, it doesn’t bode well for a joint arrangement. The one who's more willing to put aside their differences could end up with custody.

What is your living situation?

Family law judges want to ensure the children are placed in a stable home environment. If one parent relocates every few months or has a habit of moving in with romantic partners shortly after they start dating, the judge is not going to look favorably upon it.

How much do you engage with the children from day to day?

If one parent handles most of the childrearing, he or she usually has a stronger custody/parenting case. As such, you can build your own case by making a note of all the daily tasks you perform with the children, from getting them ready for school in the morning to helping them with their homework at night.

To discuss your custody battle with a strategic family law attorney, turn to Nichols, Speidel & Nichols in Batavia, OH. This general practice firm serves individuals, businesses, and government institutions throughout all of Clermont County and has been in business since 1926. Today, their team is backed by more than 150 years of combined experience in the legal field. To explore all of their areas of expertise, including civil litigation, criminal defense, personal injury law, landlord-tenant disputes, and estate planning, visit their website. To request a consultation, call (513) 732-1420.