5 Scary Mistakes That Can Haunt Your Family Law Case

Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and a little bit of fright—but when it comes to your family law case, there are mistakes that can turn your legal matter into a real-life horror story. I’m Eric Cherry, Family Law Attorney at N.P. Weiss Law, and I’m sharing the five scariest mistakes people make in divorce and custody cases. Whether you’re facing a divorce, custody dispute, or any family law issue, avoiding these pitfalls can help keep your case from becoming a nightmare. 

Watch the video below for Eric’s candid insights, or keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the five mistakes that can haunt your family law case.

In this video, Attorney Eric Cherry candidly breaks down the five biggest mistakes people make in family law cases.

1. Hiding Bad Facts from Your Attorney 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not telling your attorney about facts that could hurt your case. Whether it’s a past criminal conviction, poor financial decisions, or anything you’re embarrassed about, your attorney needs to know early. Surprises in court rarely end well, and failing to disclose important information can waste time, money, and even cost you the outcome you want. Remember: your attorney can only help you plan for challenges if they know about them upfront. 

2. Trusting Google (or Friends) Over Your Attorney 

It’s tempting to research legal terms online or rely on stories from friends, but every case is unique. Courts in Northeast Ohio have their own procedures and priorities, and what worked for someone else may not apply to you. Relying on internet advice or assuming you know more than your attorney can lead to unrealistic expectations and poor decisions. Let the law do its job and trust your attorney’s experience and knowledge of local courts. 

3. Missing Deadlines and Ignoring Court Orders 

Deadlines in family law cases are critical. Whether it’s submitting financial documents, filing a parenting plan, or complying with support orders, missing deadlines can damage your credibility and your case. Courts look for responsible, reliable parties—those who follow instructions and meet obligations. Failing to do so can make you look unreliable and may affect decisions about custody, support, or property division. 

4. Making Decisions Based on Emotion 

Family law matters are often deeply emotional, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or upset during the process. However, letting those feelings drive your decisions can backfire—especially when children are involved. Courts look for logical, reasonable choices and want to see that you’re able to act in your child’s interests, even under stress. If you find yourself ignoring your attorney’s advice because you’re angry or hurt, you may be making choices that could negatively impact your case. 

For your well-being and to help keep your case on track, consider working through those feelings with a therapist or counselor. This allows your attorney to guide you with strategy and logic, so you can make clear, informed decisions about your case. 

5. Failing to Consider Optics (How You’re Perceived) 

The outcome of your case depends not only on your attorney’s advocacy, but also on how you conduct yourself—in and out of the courtroom. Judges and magistrates pay close attention to your behavior, attitude, and choices, and these impressions can play a significant role in how your case is resolved. Demonstrating maturity and composure, even in difficult moments, is noticed by the court. Being the bigger person—showing respect, patience, and thoughtfulness—can make a meaningful difference. 

Aggressive, disrespectful, or irresponsible conduct can negatively influence the outcome of your case. It’s wise to be mindful about what you share on social media; saying less is often better, as anything posted online could be used against you. It’s advisable to treat every court appearance like a job interview for your role as a parent: be respectful, prepared, and focused. 

When it comes to requests and negotiations, remember that unreasonable offers will most likely backfire. Courts appreciate parties who make reasonable, well-supported requests. Striking a balance between advocating for your interests and maintaining fairness is key—being strategic doesn’t mean asking for more than what’s realistic. Judges notice when someone is thoughtful and reasonable, and that approach is much more likely to lead to a positive outcome. 

Conclusion 

Avoiding these mistakes can help keep your family law case from becoming a Halloween horror story. If you’re facing divorce, custody, or any family law issue, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who understands Ohio law and can guide you through the process. 

Book a paid consultation now or contact our office to see how we can help. 

About the Author 

Attorney Eric Cherry focuses his practice on family law, offering compassionate and strategic representation to clients facing life’s most personal legal challenges. He serves individuals and families across Northeast Ohio with integrity and care. Learn more about Eric Cherry. 

 This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, please consult with a licensed Ohio attorney