What determines Child Custody?
Theoretically, everyone wants what is in the best interest of the children. Unfortunately, emotions and situations often make it difficult for co-parents to reach agreements.
So even if you think you will reach a peaceful agreement, you should make certain that you collect the appropriate evidence along the way to support your case just in case things don't go as planned. You have too much to lose. You don't want to spend a fortune on legal fees and you don't want to lose your parental rights. Keep custody logs! Custody logs create a picture of the relationship you have with your children demonstrating that it is in the best interest of the child to spend time with you.
What determines child custody?
The following factors all impact custody trials:

  • Prepared: Often the parent who wins in family court is the one that comes most prepared.
  • Best Interest of the Child: The mediators, the guardian ad litem (GAL) and the judge are all looking for what is in the best interest of the child. Your job is to show them that time with you is in the best interest of the child. Demonstrate through your logs that your child is happy, stable, loved, nurtured and thriving when they are with you.
  • Living Situations: Are you able to meet the child's physical and emotional needs, including food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education, emotional support, and parental guidance? Document the daily life of the child when they are with you. Capture enough detail (stories, bedtimes, meals, activities, illnesses, holidays, etc.) so that the courts can visualize your situation. Demonstrate that your relationship continues to be a "connected" one even as you separate from your partner.
  • Abuse/ Violence: If you are concerned about abuse or violence on the part of the co-parent, you need to capture every bit of evidence indicating said abuse or violence. Every conversation, every text, every email. If there is physical evidence, take a picture. Capture it all.
How to Create a Custody Log?
Custody logs can be completed using CaseKeepers on your desktop or mobile device as it makes everything much simpler, faster and more organized. If you choose to hire an attorney, your journal entries and attachments can all be shared with your attorney. If you are representing yourself, CaseKeepers will help you generate reports for the courts.
Address:
1690 Woodside Road, Suite 221
Redwood City, CA 94061
Phone: 650-395-7453