Florida parents may be able to recall a situation in which frustration was felt toward another parent or legal guardian. Though it might be tempting to dig up dirt or give a court reason to decide in your favor, parents should be aware that if allegations made during a child custody battle cannot be proven, it could potentially spell big trouble for the person that made the report. Even if a parent fears they may not get the arrangement they want, parents should let the courts decide what is best for a child based on provable facts.
Recently, a Florida policeman and father of a young child found himself in the middle of a custody battle with the child’s mother. He called a child abuse hotline to report that the sitter the child’s mother entrusted was abusing the child. Social workers tasked with determining if abuse had occurred could find no evidence to support the claim.
As a result, criminal charges were filed against the father. At last report, he had turned himself in to authorities. It is not clear at this time if he truly had concerns about abuse while the child was with the mother or sitter she appointed, or of it was merely a ploy to sway the custody decision in his favor.
Regardless of motive, a parent facing similar circumstances may want to consult an attorney before acting. An attorney can help a client determine what sort of evidence or allegation can stand up in court, and help the client steer clear of criminal charges. Emotions may run high during child custody proceedings, and having a professional that has dealt with such cases in the past can help ensure that the court is able to make a fact-based decision that is truly in the best interest of the child in question.