How to Cope With Losing Child Custody

A truly difficult situation is losing custody of your children. Although each case is different, some general strategies exist that may help you better cope with losing custody of your children, according to "Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce" by Emily Doskow 3. These strategies exist to aid you in dealing with a loss of child custody both personally and legally 1.

Take full advantage of all your scheduled visitation times. Spending all permitted time available with children is helpful to you personally and legally. Through visitation you maintain a meaningful relationship with your child. In addition, you demonstrate your ability to deal with and relate to your children in an appropriate, healthy manner, should you desire to attempt to regain custody.

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Sign up for counseling or therapy. Professionals are available to specifically work with people who are in the aftermath of losing child custody.

Retain an attorney. A lawyer is in the best position to ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected, not only today but into the future as well. The American Bar Association maintains resources to assist you in finding a lawyer for hire or an organization that provides no-cost representation if you cannot afford to hire an attorney.

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Keep your children out of the line of fire. Do not complain to your children about the loss of custody. Do not bad mouth the other parent.

Resolve to be patient. Do not fall for the misconception that you immediately can return to court and seek a restoration of child custody 1. Many states require a specific amount of time to lapse before you can file a motion in that regard. Moreover, you also need to demonstrate a material change of circumstances, meaning that the custody arrangement ordered by the court after you lost custody must no longer serve the bests interests of your children.