Like many of our readers, Peoria has gone through good times and bad. It has survived the tough days and is ready for better ones.

That is what parents who face a child custody battle must do as well. Get through the difficult days of divorce, behaving as a responsible adult at all times so that your chances of a good outcome are increased, a family law attorney wrote in a recent article.

The Texas divorce lawyer says if you’re old enough to be a parent facing divorce, you are old enough to behave as adult and avoid “dumb behavior which can hurt you in court.

Examples of dumb behavior? Maxing out your credit card on purchases that might make you feel good, but hurt your ability to take care of housing costs and other expenses that inevitably accompany divorce.

She cautions those facing a custody battle to remember that those credit card statements will be examined by your former spouse and their attorney. It’s much more difficult to argue that you are a responsible, mature parent when you can’t pay for those 10 pairs of shoes, a Harley or a closet full of expensive new clothes.

Other examples of poor behavior: public displays of drunkenness, nudity, profanity, anger, etc. Again, these incidents make child custody disputes much more difficult for you, your lawyer and for your children.

An experienced family law attorney can help you protect your kids and get through a stressful process.