When it comes to family court cases, sometimes a character reference can make all the difference. A character reference is a letter written by someone who knows the individual involved in the case and can attest to their good character. It can be used to support a case for custody, visitation, or other family law matters.
If you have been asked to write a character reference for family court, it can be helpful to have a template to follow. Below are seven examples of character reference templates for family court, as well as some tips and frequently asked questions to guide you through the process.
Letter Examples
Character Reference for Custody Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is involved in a custody case. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character and parenting abilities.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Character Reference for Visitation Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is involved in a visitation case. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character and ability to provide a safe and loving home environment for their child.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Character Reference for Child Support Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is involved in a child support case. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character and willingness to provide for their child financially.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Character Reference for Modification of Custody Order
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is seeking a modification of a custody order. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character and ability to provide a stable and loving home environment for their child.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Character Reference for Adoption Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is involved in an adoption case. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character, parenting abilities, and desire to provide a loving and stable home environment for the child they wish to adopt.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Character Reference for Restraining Order Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is involved in a restraining order case. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character and non-violent nature.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Character Reference for Grandparent Visitation Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this letter as a character reference for [Name], who is involved in a grandparent visitation case. I have known [Name] for [length of time] and can attest to their good character and the positive relationship they have with their grandchild.
[Body of letter]
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Tips for Writing a Character Reference for Family Court
When writing a character reference for family court, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be honest and specific in your observations of the individual involved in the case
- Focus on their good character, parenting abilities, and any other relevant qualities that speak to their fitness for the family law matter at hand
- Acknowledge any shortcomings or challenges the individual may have while still highlighting their positive attributes
- Include your name, contact information, and relationship to the individual in the letter
- Make sure the letter is typed and printed on professional letterhead, if possible
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what to include in a character reference for family court?
When writing a character reference for family court, it can be helpful to ask the individual involved in the case what specific qualities or behaviors they would like you to speak to. You can also speak to their attorney or do research on what factors are typically considered in the type of family law matter at hand.
Do I need to have personal experience with the family law matter in question in order to write a character reference?
No, you do not need to have personal experience with the specific family law matter in order to write a character reference. However, you should have personal experience with the individual involved in the case and be able to speak to their character and relevant qualities.
How long should a character reference for family court be?
A character reference for family court should be no more than one page in length, or around 40 to 50 sentences. It should be clear and concise while still providing specific and relevant information.
Do I need to sign the character reference for family court?
Yes, you should sign the character reference for family court and include your name and contact information. This helps to establish your credibility and allows the court to contact you if needed.
Can I use a character reference I have written for a previous court case?
It is generally not recommended to use a character reference you have written for a previous court case, as the circumstances and relevant qualities may be different. It is best to write a new letter specifically tailored to the family law matter at hand.
Can I edit a template I find online for my character reference for family court?
Yes, you can certainly edit a template you find online for your character reference for family court. However, make sure to personalize it and tailor it to the specific individual and family law matter at hand.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference for family court can be a daunting task, but with the help of a template and some helpful tips, it can be a manageable one. By following the guidelines above, you can write a letter that attests to the good character and relevant qualities of the individual involved in the case and helps support their case for custody, visitation, or other family law matters.