Most Important Tips on Winning Child Custody

Spend Time With Your Child

• If you have visits already set up, exercise your right to see your child. When you do, make plenty of time with them one-on-one. This is the only time you have to establish a relationship with them, so make use of it. Learn what they like to do and join them in these things. Take them places, share knowledge with them and just generally be a parent. When it comes time for the custody battle, this is the most important form of ammunition you will need. Without it, there will be little to fight about.

Know the Court Laws and Procedures

• Each state has different ways to determine whom a child should live with. Learn each and every step of the process. It usually starts with visits from a court appointed go-between. This person asks you questions and makes judgments about your parenting skills, commitment and your intentions. They will also judge whether or not you are a good influence on your son or daughter. Don't fight the system; learn the ins and outs of it. Also, find out at what age the court allows a child to select the parent they want to live with.

Gather Facts For and Against

• Gathering facts about your spouse that may lead a judge to rule in your favor is an important part of the process. These facts can include how she parents your child and can be as minuscule as what she feeds them for dinner. Knowing how to relay these pieces of information to a judge and the court go-between could help sway the decision. Be prepared with plenty of stories about how your spouse neglected your child at times, or how they have a lifestyle that isn't conducive to bringing up a child. It might sound like you are going on the offensive, but a judge needs facts to make up her mind.