Best for the ChildrenWhere kids come firstStart here

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

Parenting Time & SchedulesBooking Winter-Break Travel Before Both Parents Have AgreedParenting Time & SchedulesFlying for the Holidays: Consent, the Itinerary, and Your Child
Parenting Time & Schedules

The December Concert on the Other Parent's Night

Your concert falls on the other parent's night. Learn how to read your order, ask early in writing, and keep your child out of the middle.

Putting Children First

Emotional well-being, two homes, hard conversations

All 38 guides →
Putting Children FirstWhen Your Child Comes Home Angry and Needs a Couple of Days to SettleLearn how to give your child a calm landing after a hard handoff, when a day or two of settling is normal, and when to seek professional help.
Putting Children FirstReport Cards and Homework: When Grades Become a Custody ArgumentPutting Children FirstThe two houses have different candy rules. What do you tell your child?

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 34 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 the Other Parent Moves With Your Child During the CaseSpecial 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 Homes

Living with the Order

Modifications, enforcement, and long-term adjustments

All 26 guides →
Living with the OrderWhen One Home Allows Social Media and the Other Doesn'tLearn who decides on social media when co-parents disagree, what your custody order and state law may say, and how to set one plan for both homes.Living with the OrderWhen a New Partner Starts Deciding Whether Your Child Sees YouLiving 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?
Keep going

Keep exploring