DO contact your attorney with questions and concerns, and keep him or her apprised of developments in your situation.

DO contact friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members who may be willing to testify on your behalf, either by written affidavit or in court.

DO maintain your positive relationships with your children when the allegations arise out of a custody dispute, and understand that the children are not responsible for the false allegations and resulting turmoil. Even if they say the words that support the allegations, understand that false accusations can be planted in children's minds through no fault of their own.

DO appreciate that allegations of child abuse must be taken seriously and investigated. Even though you know that in your case the accusations are groundless, in many cases they are not, so in the interests of all children further investigation is generally necessary.

THE DON'Ts

DON'T abuse your children, or any others, physically, emotionally, or sexually.

DON'T put yourself in any unnecessary situations that could give rise to suspicion, such as by accompanying children to the bathroom, helping them change clothes, or bathing them. If your job requires such activities, it is always best if another adult is present during all circumstances that could be wrongly interpreted.

DON'T be passive if false accusations are raised. Take immediate action to protect yourself.

DON'T be afraid to ask your attorney questions before retaining him or her, and as your case progresses.

DON'T admit to anything you did not do, even if may seem simpler to do so. A conviction for child abuse has long-lasting, far-reaching implications, and can have an adverse effect on future employment, future relationships, and your future in general.

DON'T lose your temper with the authorities involved in your case. As angry as the situation may make you, losing control could be used as evidence to support the allegations.

DON'T give up. It may be the ugliest battle of your life, but overcoming and disproving false allegations of child abuse is without a doubt worth the effort.