Best for the ChildrenWhere kids come firstStart here

Where kids come first, even when the adults do not agree.

Special SituationsWhen a parent takes a child abroad: what the Hague Convention can and can't doPutting Children FirstWhy kids may rate one parent higher after a divorce
Living with the Order

Open Enrollment After Separation: Which Health Plan Covers Your Child, and When You Can Change It

Learn which parent's health plan can cover your child after separation, when open enrollment starts, and how to avoid a coverage gap.

Putting Children First

Emotional well-being, two homes, hard conversations

All 38 guides →
Putting Children FirstReport Cards and Homework: When Grades Become a Custody ArgumentThe first report card of the year can start a blame game between homes. How to share school information, set up homework in two houses, and keep grades from becoming evidence.
Putting Children FirstThe two houses have different candy rules. What do you tell your child?Putting Children FirstYour Child's Therapist and the Custody Case: Who Gets to Know What

Understanding Custody

How custody works and what courts tend to consider

All 28 guides →
Understanding CustodyWhen a Father Seeks Full Custody: What Helps the ChildUnderstanding CustodyGuidelines Used to Determine Child CustodyUnderstanding CustodyPreparing as a Father When Custody Is Contested

Mediation & Settling Outside Court

Resolving issues with less conflict

All 12 guides →
Mediation & Settling Outside CourtShould Your Child Sit In on Mediation?Mediation & Settling Outside CourtWhen Mediation Doesn’t Settle: What the Child Needs NextMediation & Settling Outside CourtShuttle Mediation When You Cannot Sit in the Same RoomMediation & Settling Outside CourtWhat Kids Need You to Agree On in Mediation

Preparing for Court

Hearings, evidence, witnesses, and process

All 33 guides →
Preparing for CourtWhen You Think the Guardian ad Litem Got Your Child WrongDisagree with a Guardian ad Litem report? Learn how to respond with evidence, question the GAL where allowed, and what the judge decides.Preparing for CourtWhat a 50/50 Custody Presumption Actually Changes for Your ChildPreparing for CourtTalking to Your Child About an Upcoming Court DatePreparing for CourtHow Much Does a Child Custody Case Cost?Preparing for CourtHow Much Does It Cost to File Child Custody Papers?

Parenting Time & Schedules

Arrangements that support children

All 31 guides →
Parenting Time & SchedulesThanksgiving in Two Homes: Plan It in OctoberThanksgiving is on November 26 this year. The families who have a good day usually settled it in October. How to plan one holiday across two homes, and what to do if you are on the alone side of it.
Parenting Time & SchedulesCan the other parent walk the block with you?Parenting Time & SchedulesWhen the Order Says Only "Thanksgiving Day": How to Mark the Rest of the Week

High-Conflict Co-Parenting

Protecting kids when adult conflict is high

All 10 guides →
High-Conflict Co-ParentingPosting About Your Kids and Your Custody Case on Social MediaHigh-Conflict Co-ParentingWhen the Other Parent Is Late for Pickup AgainHigh-Conflict Co-ParentingWhen the Other Parent Questions Your Child After Every Visit

Special Situations

Relocation, grandparents, unmarried parents, and more

All 22 guides →
Special SituationsWhen a Parent's Mental Health Is Part of the Parenting-Time DecisionSpecial SituationsHow Supervised Visits Turn Into Regular Time With Your ChildSpecial SituationsWhen Your Teenager Wants to Switch HomesSpecial SituationsFlu Shots, Vaccines, and Medical Decisions When Parents Disagree

Living with the Order

Modifications, enforcement, and long-term adjustments

All 26 guides →
Living with the OrderWhen a New Partner Starts Deciding Whether Your Child Sees YouA new partner has no automatic say over your court-ordered schedule. Learn who is responsible and how to keep a record that protects your child.Living with the OrderCan you take your child out of state for Thanksgiving if the order never mentions travel?Living with the OrderSplitting the Cost of Activities, Braces, and Camps Without the Receipt WarLiving with the OrderThe exchange is at dinner time and your child is not in the costume yet. What now?Living with the OrderWhat costume photos can the other parent post?
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