DGC 057 – The First 30 Days of a Custody Battle

About this episode  

In this episode of the Daddy Got Custody Podcast, Fred Campos, a 27-year custody veteran, explains why the first 30 days of a custody battle can shape the next year of your case.

Fred walks fathers through the practical steps they should take immediately when a custody dispute begins, including reading every court document, getting legal advice early, starting a custody journal, building a parenting-time calendar, saving important texts and emails, organizing school and medical information, cleaning up social media habits, and getting finances in order.

He also explains why fathers should develop a realistic parenting plan early, take temporary orders seriously, avoid bad-mouthing the other parent to the children, and stop treating every disagreement like a major crisis. The goal is not to panic or become obsessed with proving your Ex is terrible. The goal is to start building a clear pattern of stability, involvement, preparation, and child-focused parenting from day one.

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that custody cases often begin long before the final hearing.