Preparing for a child custody fight

Interesting article here on preparing for a child custody battle.  Those are sound ideas — many times easier said than done.

One thing that’s important to recognize is that good parenting skills should begin early in the case and continue right up to the hearing (and beyond, of course). 

To suddenly become a great parent 2 weeks before trial won’t be helpful to your case.  You need to show a pattern of good parenting behavior.

Comments

[Divorce certificate translation]

On child custody fights; while there are always exceptions to the rule, I would say Don't fight - compromise.

In the clear majority of cases, having both parents involved in the life of the children is preferred.

[Joseph Woodard]

The truth is that you can do all you want right before a divorce in the hopes that it will help you gain custody of your children, but as you said developing good parenting skills right before a trial is a bit unrealistic. If you want custody of your children, be a good parent from the beginning. If not, don't put your children through the hardship of a contested divorce - do the right thing and work towards visitation rights and joint legal custody in an uncontested divorce, but if your child belongs in the hands of the other parent, learn to accept that.

[sabrina]

How do I handle a custody fight with a marginally metally ill father? He does not work so wants to fight for wathing his child over my using daycare.
He spends all his free time at doctors appoinments. Not sure how much he could win more time wtih her, its not worth a risk.
I think he can manipulate a court, he has done it before.