| One of the difficult aspects of child custody | | | | Build a Network Always remember that you are |
| cases is the fact the inexperience most | | | | not the only person going through this |
| people have in the matter. Uncertainty with | | | | uncertain time in your life. There are |
| family-related matters, especially legal | | | | thousands of others with the same questions |
| ones, can leave you constantly wondering if | | | | as you, and thousands more who have |
| you are doing the right things. But there are | | | | successfully won their custody case. Look for |
| several outlets you can utilize for child | | | | meeting groups in your area where you can |
| custody advice. Here is a listing of the best | | | | network with these people. This can include |
| places to start. Your Lawyer The most obvious | | | | single parent groups, divorce support groups, |
| starting point for advice should be your | | | | and even PTA meetings. Wherever parents meet |
| lawyer. Since custody is a legal issue, you | | | | you will always find a segment of the |
| need to have access to a professional who | | | | population that has experienced custody |
| knows the intricacies of family law. Make | | | | issues. Internet Resources The internet is |
| sure that your lawyer has experience with | | | | full of resources for divorced parents. Of |
| custody cases. If your lawyer does not have | | | | course you should always proceed cautiously |
| this experience, than ask for a referral of | | | | on the advice of strangers, but there is no |
| someone who does. County Programs If you live | | | | reason you can't use the internet as a source |
| near a city, then it is likely that you will | | | | for information and inspiration. Outside of |
| find a county department that deals | | | | reading informative articles, you can also |
| exclusively with family issues and child | | | | network on one of the many forums related to |
| welfare. This can be a great resource for | | | | divorce and marriage issues. Practically |
| learning more about your options. Most county | | | | every parent who is involved with marriage |
| offices are tax-subsidized, which means you | | | | problems has a custody concern, making these |
| can utilize their services at no cost. Some | | | | forums a great place to ask questions. You |
| of the services you will find include free | | | | can't expect to know everything about child |
| literature, workshops, and the option to work | | | | custody, so don't let the pressure of the |
| with an individual case worker. The Library | | | | situation bog you down. Instead, make a |
| The library is another free resource that | | | | resolution to learn as much as you can. Start |
| will help you learn and understand the | | | | researching and building relationships with |
| process involved with child custody cases. | | | | people who have experience in the matter. You |
| Don't be intimidated with the abundance of | | | | will begin to feel more comfortable as you |
| information available. The staff librarians | | | | learn more about the subject. |
| are masters at searching through resources. | | | | |
| Be prepared with questions on the topics you | | | | You should never rely solely on a lawyer to |
| are searching for and ask for their | | | | win your case for you. Visit to learn how to |
| assistance. You will be amazed at the | | | | win child custody. |
| information you can access at no charge. | | | | |