10. Before embarking on a custody dispute, remember that this should not be about you or the other parent, but what is in the best interests of your children.
9. Talk to an attorney and review the laws of your state. Many states, including in Michigan where I practice, look at what are in the best interests of the children. Try to understand this thoroughly, and be as objective as possible. Go through the legal factors in your state, and analyze them. Try to determine whether or not you have a legitimate case for custody, or perhaps some type of joint /shared custody.
8. Talk to your spouse, former spouse, or the other parent, and attempt to resolve custody and parenting time without the need for filing a legal action.
7. It is important to bear in mind that a custody arrangement which makes sense for an infant or two year old is going to be very different than one for a seven or eight year old. A teenager has different needs. Custody and parenting time for a teenager is often a battle between each parent, and the fact that the teenager wants to spend as much time as possible with friends and school or extra-curricular activities, rather than being with either parent. I have said over the years that a teenage custody battle is one where each parent says, "you take them." The age and needs of your children are extremely important. They should be considered carefully.
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