How Long Do Child Custody Cases Last?
There are a number of factors that can affect the length of a child custody case. For example, some judges deliberate very slowly, which means that many court dates will be needed. There are also cases that can take longer because of a number of unknowns.
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It is important to consider how long your child custody case will last before deciding whether to pursue the matter. If you are in a position to settle the issue quickly, you can get your child custody arrangement settled in a short period of time. On the other hand, if you are not in a position to agree on the issues, you may need to go through a lengthy battle.
Depending on where you live, your child custody case could last anywhere from a couple of months to several years. However, it is important to realize that the average custody battle does not last that long. If you are able to negotiate the issues in the case, you can usually achieve a settlement within a few weeks. In some states, there is a limit on the number of months that a dispute can last, which can help prevent the case from dragging on.
Some courts will require that a child custody case be completed within a certain amount of time. For example, the state of Indiana requires that a divorce case be completed within 60 days. However, some courts will extend this time if one party shows good cause.
Typically, family courts hear many cases on a daily basis, which means that the court calendar is often congested. The judge will listen to a variety of testimony and will make a decision based on a snapshot of the family. The court will consider the child’s age, the parties’ activities with the child, and other factors. In some cases, the judge will appoint a guardian ad litem. This individual will make sure the case is being handled properly and will be a source of information for the judge.
If you are involved in a custody case, you need to be prepared to put your best foot forward. In some cases, this will mean hiring an attorney. This is not a bad idea, as it will give you an edge. Having a great attorney can help you get the terms that you want. A skilled lawyer can even help you convince your opponent’s lawyer to agree to your terms.
If you are unable to reach an agreement, you can still attempt to work out a parenting plan in a mediation session. This will allow you to communicate your desires to your child. There are also a number of cases where the judge will speak to the child in chambers. If you have a good attorney, you can usually get a judge to sign off on a parenting plan without having to have a formal trial.
In most states, the standard length of a custody battle is 18 months. If the case has not been resolved in this time, it can be appealed to a higher court. In addition, if the parents can’t reach an agreement, a judge can grant temporary relief, such as a guardian ad Litem.