Child Custody Laws

By Staff Writer

Child Custody Laws
Child custody laws vary from state to state. These laws follow established guidelines, and it's important to know about these guidelines if you want to win custody of your child. You should be able to get a copy of these guidelines either on recommended websites, or by calling the state family court in your area.

If you are working with an attorney, he or she will advise you of the guidelines. Family divorce law attorneys are also available on recommended websites. If you feel you are headed for a custody battle, here are some tips for your behavior in the months before the trial.

What the Judge Will Look For
Try to involve yourself in the lives of your children as much as possible. The courts want to see an active, involved, responsible parent. If you are the non-custodial parent, this is doubly important. Judges will look to see which parent has been the primary caregiver. They will want to see evidence that the kids regularly count on you for trips to the dentist or soccer.

The judge will work within the framework of Child Custody Laws of your state, but there may be some leeway. Your attorney may call friends and employers into court as witnesses who can testify that you have always been there for your kids. They may be asked to cite occasions when you put your kids before your career, or when you put a great deal of time into your child's project, or your holiday together. Even more important, the judge will want to hear evidence that your children count on you for emotional support.