How Should I Choose My Maryland Custody Witness in Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland
To choose the right Maryland custody witnesses for your trial, there are several key considerations you should make:
- Witness Credibility. The credibility of a witness is an often overlooked consideration, that can drastically impact the outcome of your case. Although the witness may have something good to say about you, that person may not be believable and can actually hurt your case. A credible witness is someone who comes across as competent and truthful. Their testimony may be assumed to be likely true due to their experience, knowledge, training and sense of honesty.
- Witness Suitability. Another often overlooked consideration, is that some witnesses are better than others. Although each custody matter is unique, when considering witness options, a good rule of thumb is to greater consideration to witnesses that have had multiple interactions with you and your children. The neighbor up the street may seem like a good choice, until you remember that they only see you and your children once a year on Christmas. Comparatively, your daycare provider may be a much better choice since they see you and your children every day. Other suitable witnesses could be: playdate parents, your current partner, a live-in relative or friend, or a religious leader with close ties to your family.
- Witness Recall and Testimonial Significance. Despite their good intentions, if your witness did not actually observe an event, specific behavior, or anything else legally significant to your custody case, then they may not be a useful witness. Anyone who testifies in your Maryland custody case must be able to recall what they saw with accuracy. An attorney can assist in the screening process to determine whether a witness is likely to have a positive impact on your case.
- Consider Medical Providers. Medical providers, such as doctors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can also provide expert testimony about your child’s health and your parenting responsibilities. Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, for instance, can offer an expert opinion about each parent’s mental health and if they’ve had any mental health issues and treatment options, if applicable.
By selecting the most credible and suitable witnesses, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome in your custody trial. An experienced attorney can help you find the best options for your custody matter.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Family Law Attorneys Regarding Your Maryland Custody Witness in Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland
If you have questions or concerns about your options when selecting Maryland custody witnesses, please contact the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, LLC today. You can reach attorney LaSheena M. Williams at (301) 778-9950 or by requesting a consultation today.
Our firm ardently represents clients across Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, College Park, Cheverly, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Largo, Bowie and surrounding communities.
