One of the most contentious and potentially stressful issues that family lawyers see is child custody battles. If you and your spouse are getting divorced, you're likely also trying to negotiate child custody. Unfortunately, sometimes even the most amicable divorce can turn bitter and hostile over the custody of the children. As a result, you mustn't make mistakes that could potentially cost you custody of your children. Here's a look at a few things that a family law attorney wants you to know about what you should and shouldn't do when you're facing a child custody battle.

Be Open To Communication

One of the biggest challenges that you will likely face along the way is being able to communicate with your former spouse. Unfortunately, communication is a vital part of your custody case. Even if you are hurt, emotionally strained, or angry, you need to manage your emotions and focus on the children's best interests.

If you are unable to maintain respectful, cordial communication with your former spouse about the children, the visitation schedule, and any other important information, it can reflect poorly on you when the custody hearing happens. The judge may be more inclined to find in your ex's favor in a case like that.

Avoid Social Media Posting

Another important thing that many people don't think about is their social media activity. Avoid posting much in the way of personal things on your social media until your custody case has been settled. This is important because you may inadvertently harm your case even with a seemingly innocent post.

If you hire a babysitter for a Friday night, for example, and attend a friend's birthday party, pictures shared of the party with alcohol present could be used to show poor judgment during a time when the children were in your care.

Ensure that all of your family and friends know not to tag you in any social media posts and avoid sharing pictures of you or making posts about your activities while your custody case is pending.

Be Mindful Of Court Orders

Custody cases are usually pretty lengthy, and often require multiple hearings in court. As a result, you'll end up with several court orders, however interim they may be. You need to be sure that you fully understand these orders and you adhere to them thoroughly.

Failure to follow court orders as they are written could leave you facing contempt of court charges along the way. This won't reflect favorably when it comes time for the judge's final custody determination.