I’ve been involved in child custody cases for 19 years. I have been on the road teaching classes in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston and have been talking, helping and coaching clients through this blog. I’m aligned and in constant communications with custody attorneys from coast to coast. If I had to boil the success of parents in their pursuit of primary custody, winning custody would come down to one simple question…
Winning Custody – Are You Really the Better Parent?
In its purest and most fair form, custody goes to the better parent.
I ask you a very unfair but honest question. “Are you a better parent than your Ex?”
Ok, let’s make this a little more real. If you lined up 10 people that KNOW both you and your lovely, would they say without hesitation, “Oh my gosh, yes, without question Fred, you are a MUCH better parent than Cindy.”
Would the pedestrian, the babysitting, mutual friends, your kids principal, your kids’ current teacher, the school counselor, the pastor that married ya’ll, the soccer coach, the Boy Scout troop leader, and your neighbor across the street who you bearly know. Would they say, “Yes, Fred is absolutely the better parent.”
I’m stepping on toes here, and I know I am asking you to take a hard and fast realistic viewpoint on why you are seeking custody. Of course, your friends and family are going to rally around you and support you even if they don’t feel in their hearts you are the better parent.
It’s Time to Ask Those Around You, Not Just Your Friends
If you don’t know the answer to this question, it time to break out of your comfort zone and ask. My advice is to have a friend ask on your behalf. Sometimes teachers and coaches can’t be real in answering a direct question, but might be more transparent with a mutual friend.
Some sample prompts for your friend might be… “If you were a jury member assisting a judge in the custody of Fred’s kids, which parent would you say is the best parent?” “Between the two parents, who do you think would be the better parent if you had to only pick one?”
It’s Time to Change and BE a Better Parent
Let’s say in the above exercise you don’t get the answers you expect. Or let’s say you have a heart to heart conversation with the guy in the mirror and you don’t like the truth. What do you do then?
Change for the better.
When my paternity suit started, I immediately enrolled in parenting classes. I bought 10-15 parenting books. I changed my work schedule to work at home. I threw out my roommates, bought a crib, and painted a baby room. I got a more kid centric vehicle, got involved in a church, and upgraded my friends. Within a year, I became an outstanding parent. Judges, attorneys, teachers, principals, community leaders, and social workers KNEW without question I was the better parent.
As the case drew out it became abundantly clear to all involved who should determine my daughter’s residence, education, and be her primary custodian. It was me, the better parent.
What is the REAL Reason You Want Custody?
Too often I meet and work with parents who want custody for all the wrong reason. “I want to get back at him.” “I don’t want to pay child support.” “I want to be vindictive toward her.”
Custody is hard. Being the custodial parent is hard. Children are expensive.
[tweet “Dealing with the Ex and taking the high road is taxing and difficult at best.”]
That job should go to the parent who is the most educated, has the most time, and can put the needs of the children above their own.
And that… is usually the better parent. Are you the better parent?
I agree with the article up to the last line. Formal education has no connection with great parenting. Stay at home parents with high salaried spouses are not uncommon. The parent with a high salary may have a masters or better, but not understand how much the children need from us.
The points about making time and putting children’s needs first are dead on.
John,
well in generalities, there is a small correlation but your point is well taken. Thanks for commenting.
What can you do if a child is put in a hostile situation. You’ve tried your best to protect your child but the courts aren’t listening or they believe the lies. My name is smeared and slandered and and my son is suffering. Constant alienation especially around holidays birthdays anyting that can be joyess or time we spend together will be destroyed either at the beginning of the visitation or at the end and the visitation session.
*Shorted and edited by author to protect the privacy*
Rene,
I know exactly how you feel. I’ve shorted your comment and dropped your last name because you shared a lot of personal information. I will email you privately as well. But for a public answer…
It is a terrible, awful battle that sometimes never ends. You must involve 3rd parties. You must constantly go back to court and show harassment. For years, and years, I carried a tape recorder in my pocket, for years and years I complained to the court about the behavior on the other side. It takes multiple times and multiple people to testify to get parental alienation under control. See if an attorney will take your case pro bono. Don’t give up, don’t stop praying, keep trying.