Preparing for Court
What Happens at Your First Child Custody Hearing?
Learn what usually happens at a first child custody hearing: temporary orders, mediation, safety rules, and when a guardian ad litem is appointed.
All articles
Parenting Time & Schedules
How a Father Can Request More Parenting Time
Learn how to get more parenting time by agreeing on a new schedule or asking a court to modify the order, and how state law affects your case.
Preparing for Court
What Is a Guardian Ad Litem and What Do They Do?
Learn what a Florida guardian ad litem does, who can serve, what powers they have, and how their report affects your child's custody case.
Preparing for Court
What Can Be Used Against You in a Child Custody Case?
Learn which texts, missed visits, unpaid support, and court-order violations can hurt you in custody court, and which carry the most weight.
Understanding Custody
Does it Matter Who Files First for Child Custody? (Is There an Advantage)
Filing first rarely decides custody. Learn what judges weigh, when timing matters, and when filing early makes sense.
Living with the Order
Reasons to Change a California Child Custody Order, and How to Ask
Ten situations that can justify changing a California custody order, the legal standard judges use, the evidence that helps, and how to file FL-300.
Preparing for Court
How to Prepare for a Child Custody Case
Learn how to respond to custody accusations: obey orders, handle support and CPS contact, document your parenting, and answer each claim with facts.
Preparing for Court
How Long Does It Take for Legal Aid to Be Approved?
Legal aid timing depends on where you live and what you face. Learn how US and England and Wales applications work, and when to apply early.
Special Situations
Reasons Grandparent Can File for Custody of Grandchild
Learn which legal grounds let a grandparent file for custody, including Texas's six-month and consent routes, and what courts require.
Preparing for Court
Does A Criminal Record Affect Child Custody? (what the court looks at)
To some extent, a criminal record can affect child custody outcomes. It is in the best interests of the child that the court consider the nature of criminal records that may have…
Preparing for Court
How to Write a Witness Statement for Family Court
Step-by-step guide to writing a family court witness statement in England and Wales: format, exhibits, and the exact statement of truth.
Understanding Custody
Preparing as a Mother When Custody Is Contested
Learn what courts weigh in a contested custody case, how equal-time presumptions change the outlook, and how to build a record that shows stability.