Child Custody Attorney Austin, TX
Lying does not always feel like the wrong course of action. When your child is in danger or when a truly important end may be compromised by speaking the truth, it may feel as if lying is the best possible option in a given situation. However, it is vitally important to understand that even under such circumstances, lying to a family court judge may cause you and your family far more harm than you might imagine. If you find yourself in challenging circumstances, it is generally best to tell your Austin, TX child custody attorney why you feel that lying is the best option you have and then allow him or her to advise you in regards to any legal alternatives that may help you achieve your aims without speaking falsely to the court.
If you are involved in a child custody dispute, lying to the court could compromise your ultimate aims. Even if you feel that lying will best enable you to advocate for your child’s best interests, the court will almost certainly fail to respond to your motives in a positive way. Lying to the court is an offense that could lead to civil or criminal consequences. In addition, it could compromise the court’s opinion of your judgment and your ability to parent your child effectively. As a result, lying to the court should be avoided.
If you have already lied to the court, it is important to come clean to your child custody attorney so that you can craft a sound legal strategy that will minimize any damage that either has been caused by the falsehoods or that might be caused by the situation once the court understands what has occurred.
A judge may ultimately choose to charge you with contempt of court. Oftentimes, you will be given an opportunity to right the wrong you have committed before any serious consequences are imposed. But if your offense is particularly egregious or if this is a repeat offense, you may face fines, community service, and even jail time.
It is also worth noting that both initial child custody decisions and modification requests are determined in accordance with the “best interests of the child” standard. If lies are significant enough to impact a child’s best interests, they may influence a court to modify the child’s custody arrangements accordingly.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have questions about child custody specifically or family legal disputes generally, please consider speaking with a child custody attorney Austin, TX families recommend. Lawyers who specialize in matters involving child custody and other family legal disputes are best positioned to advise you of your legal options. This is true whether you have not yet initiated a child custody action or you are currently involved in one that feels as if it is spinning out of control.
Consultations are generally confidential and do not obligate you to take any legal actions whatsoever. Speaking with a child custody attorney in Austin, TX from The Law Office of Ryan S. Dougay will simply help you to make informed decisions as you try to do what is best for you and your family.