Documentation is essential to every case. You should keep track of your communication and interactions with your co-parent in writing and be prepared to bring these records to court. Judges and Magistrates dismiss parents who try to cut off contact with their children, even in the name of “reduced child support.” The more documentation you have, the better.
Financial Records
The obligor/NCP must provide income information when a case involving child support Anthem, AZ, is opened. Typically, this involves providing their most recent tax returns, pay stubs, and completed financial disclosure statements. These forms include essential details such as earnings, expenses, and debts. The court uses these forms to determine how much child support should be paid. It also determines spousal support if applicable.
The court can only correctly process the case if relevant financial information is provided. A subpoena can be used to request additional information. However, the cost of this usually outweighs the benefits. Parents should update their financial statements whenever there is a change in circumstances. This includes separating base pay from overtime or shift differential. It is also helpful to list the amount of health insurance and work-related daycare costs.
Personal Records
Recording personal documents that showcase your involvement and commitment to a healthy relationship with your child can be valuable evidence in a custody case. Documenting visits and your attendance at parenting classes and after-school activities is essential, as it can help demonstrate that you are engaged in the child’s life and willing to put in the time and effort to foster a strong bond.
Keeping detailed records can also show that you have an established pattern of responsibility and accountability in handling financial matters. This can work in your favor when establishing appropriate child support. The CSS guidelines are determined by judges, attorneys, child support professionals, and economists. These guidelines consider both parental incomes and the cost of raising a child.
Medical Records
It is essential to document a parent’s involvement in child custody cases. Documenting school meetings, extracurricular activities, and medical appointments can demonstrate how much time a parent spends with their children. This evidence can also be helpful when arguing a custody case. Medical records are also crucial in a child support case, as they can show the physical and mental health of the child.
This is crucial when seeking custody or visitation with a parent who suffers from severe medical issues that can impact the child’s well-being. However, a parent must prove that the other parent’s condition will inhibit their ability to perform parenting functions. Courts do not want to hear that the other parent has a bad back or has an addiction to video games.
Educational Records
When child custody arrangements are documented, both parents can access a reliable reference point that reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and disputes. They can also promote a positive co-parenting dynamic by establishing clear guidelines and expectations that benefit the child’s emotional well-being. Remember to document communication with your ex, including phone records and emails.
Judges may consider a lack of frequent calls or a refusal to communicate with a parent as evidence that the non-custodial parent doesn’t have a good relationship with their child. Once a child reaches the age of 18 or enters a post-secondary educational institution, most rights to school records transfer to them. Nevertheless, parents should still document communication with their children and highlight efforts to foster a strong and healthy relationship.
Social Media Records
In child custody cases, evidence of a parent’s social media posts can show how they spend time with their children. The court has deemed it unsavory if a co-parent spends money on parties or socializing with people. This is especially important when attempting to prove a violation of the terms of a custody agreement.
Carefully documenting arrangements can make resolving conflicts with a co-parent easier, potentially avoiding a drawn-out court case. Additionally, documented proof showcases a parent’s commitment to their children, reassuring the court that they will ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
Bulletin 2014-02 provides high-level guidance for agencies on capturing records created on social media platforms. The guidance applies regardless of whether the record is considered a new series in the agency’s records management system (RMS) or fits into the characterization of an existing RMS series.