Judge Holly Veal's Approach to Divorce Cases: "I talk to the child and ask them questions about each parent such as likes and dislikes and take that into heavy consideration. Again, this is about the children, I am not here to settle other differences."
Veal admits that people representing themselves is a common occurrence but strongly advises retaining legal counsel. “Lay people don’t understand legal proceedings and jargon but an attorney does. The attorney can advise you of your rights and protect them,” she explained. “The attorney helps keep things from shying into emotional rants and outbursts to work on a desirable and favorable outcome in court. Many times, people who represent themselves lead with emotion not facts.” She also advises on being fair, honest and ethical as divorcing parents. Meaning there are many internal arrangements and agreements a couple made to operate their household and it should not be converted into a shortcoming.
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“If one parent opted to handle all medical appointments and after school activities while the other handled other things, don’t say the other parent is absent or non attentive,” she explained. “You agreed to these things and we need to see how all of this plays out and also give grace and a curve depending on what was done.” Veal states she goes off love, care and more not just material resources when it comes to custody. The size and location of a parent’s home has no bearing on the final decision, she adds. “Does the child want to be there? Is there going to be love and attention in that setting,” she said. “I talk to the child and ask them questions about each parent such as likes and dislikes and take that into heavy consideration. Again, this is about the children, I am not here to settle other differences.”
