Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

What do I do to get ready for trial?

My husband and I are in the process of divorce and child custody. He was granted temp. physical custody and me a short visitation due to school. However, we are going to be going to trial and the judge will then decide who gets physical custody of our two young children. I would like to know what it is that I need to do in order to get ready for a trial. I have been the caretaker of the children and now I have them for a very short time. I have moved out of the state of AL to NC with my oldest son and I would like to get all my children back together. So, if someone could tell me what sorts of things to expect at a divorce/child custody trial and what I should be doing to get myself ready I surely would appreciate it.


Asked on 7/01/07, 8:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Pamela Scott Scott Law Office

Re: What do I do to get ready for trial?

First of all, hire a lawyer. Even if you feel that you can do it all yourself, having a lawyer by your side tells the judge that you take this case seriously. At trial, the judge will consider what's in the child's best interest, so he will examine what kind of parent you are now and have been in the past. He'll look at your work schedules, such as: do you work long and late hours? He'll consider back up support: do you have family or friends or church members ready to step in should you have custody and an emergency arise? Are you familiar with the child's illnesses, special dietary concerns, shot records, emotional care, clothes size, allergies, fears, dental health ...

What kind of housing do you have for the child? Is there adequate bed space? Do you have toys and clothes for the children? What kind of neighborhood do you live in? Are you tapped in to community based help and programs for the children (ie, church, day care, pediatrician, health insurance or allkids or medicaid, etc) The list of questions is only limited by your imagination, but think in terms of FACT.

Read more
Answered on 7/01/07, 9:47 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Alabama