Documents to Take to a Child Custody Hearing By Miriam Galindo

IntroductionSpecializing in art and play therapies,

Dr. Miriam Galindo is a registered child play therapist and licensed clinical psychologist who serves children and families. Based in Irvine, California, Dr. Miriam Galindo has many years of experience handling family law matters and supporting shared custody agreements and family reunifications.

About Preparation for HearingWhen preparing for a child custody

hearing, several pieces of documentation help build a case. For instance, parents who do not have primary custody may want to keep detailed phone call and visitation logs to demonstrate their efforts to maintain meaningful relationships. They should also put in writing the names of witnesses, if any, as well as their goals for the hearing, such as modifying the custody arrangements, visitation schedules, or child support payments.

ConclusionIf a parent already pays child

support, he or she should take documentation of the payments to show the judge. If a parent seeks child support, he or she should take recent tax returns, pay stubs, and W-2 forms to confirm the other parent's wages as well as an Order of Child Support form. Parents should always take multiple copies of every document to the hearing.