Child Custody

What to Expect at a Custody Hearing

Learn what happens at a custody hearing, including types of hearings, evidence presented, what judges look for, how to prepare, and common mistakes to avoid.

Custody Mediation: How It Works

Learn how custody mediation works, what it costs, when courts require it, and how to prepare. A complete guide to resolving custody disputes.

7 min read · Mar 15, 2026

Child Custody for Unmarried Parents

Learn how custody works for unmarried parents, including establishing paternity, filing for custody, fathers' and mothers' rights, and how the process differs from divorce custody.

11 min read · Mar 15, 2026

Fathers' Rights in Child Custody

Learn about fathers' rights in custody cases, including legal equality, practical challenges, documentation strategies, and what courts actually consider.

8 min read · Mar 15, 2026

How to Get Full Custody of a Child

Learn how to get full custody of a child, including what full custody means legally, when courts award it, evidence needed, and realistic expectations for your case.

7 min read · Mar 15, 2026

How to Modify a Custody Order

Learn how to modify a custody order, including what qualifies as a substantial change in circumstances, the court process, timeline, and strategies for a successful modification.

How to Create a Parenting Plan

A parenting plan outlines custody schedules, decision-making, holidays, and communication rules. Learn what courts require and how to build an effective plan.

How Is Child Custody Determined?

Learn how child custody is determined by courts, including the best interests standard, factors judges consider, types of custody, and how to prepare.

Relocating with Your Child After Divorce

Understand the legal requirements for relocation custody moves after divorce, including notice rules, court approval, and how judges decide relocation cases.

Types of Child Custody Explained

Types of child custody include legal, physical, joint, and sole custody. Learn how each type works, how they combine, and what courts consider in your state.

7 min read · Mar 15, 2026

At What Age Can a Child Choose Custody?

Learn at what age a child can choose custody. Covers state-by-state rules, what 'choose' actually means legally, how courts weigh preferences, and maturity factors.

How Domestic Violence Affects Custody in California

Learn how domestic violence affects custody decisions in California, including the FC 3044 presumption against abusers, DVROs, batterer intervention programs, supervised visitation, and the best interest standard under FC 3011.

Move-Away Custody Cases in California

Learn how California courts handle move-away custody cases. Understand the Burgess presumption, LaMusga factors, notice requirements, and strategies for both relocating and non-relocating parents.

Modifying Child Custody in Georgia

Learn how to modify a child custody order in Georgia, including the material change of circumstances standard, the two-year waiting period, and the Bodne v. Bodne framework.

Legitimation in Georgia: How Unmarried Fathers Get Custody Rights

Learn why legitimation is required for unmarried fathers in Georgia, how the petition process works under OCGA 19-7-22, and how it connects to custody and visitation rights.

Florida Parenting Plan Requirements

Understand Florida's mandatory parenting plan requirements under FL Stat 61.13(2), including required elements, time-sharing schedules, and what happens when parents cannot agree.

Relocating with a Child After Divorce in Florida

Understand Florida's relocation statute (FL Stat 61.13001), including the 50-mile threshold, petition requirements, burden of proof, and the 11 statutory factors courts consider.

8 min read · Mar 15, 2026

Custody Mediation in North Carolina

Learn how mandatory custody mediation works in North Carolina, including the court-ordered process, what to expect, costs, confidentiality rules, and exceptions for domestic violence.

Best Interest Factors in North Carolina Custody Cases

Understand how North Carolina courts determine child custody using the best interest of the child standard under NCGS 50-13.2. Learn about judicial discretion, common factors, domestic violence considerations, and the role of guardians ad litem.

How to Modify a Custody Order in Ohio

Understand the legal requirements for modifying a custody order in Ohio, including the change of circumstances standard, the one-year waiting period, and exceptions.

Shared Parenting Plans in Ohio

Learn how shared parenting works in Ohio under ORC 3109.04, including what the plan must include, how to file, court approval, modification, and the role of a guardian ad litem.

The 16 Best Interest Factors in Pennsylvania Custody Cases

Learn all 16 best interest factors under 23 Pa.C.S. 5328(a) that Pennsylvania courts use to decide custody, including which factors matter most and how judges apply them.

Child Custody Relocation Rules in Pennsylvania

Learn Pennsylvania's custody relocation requirements under 23 Pa.C.S. 5337, including the 60-day notice rule, 10 statutory factors, and burden of proof.

Fathers' Rights in Texas Custody Cases

Understand fathers' rights in Texas custody disputes. Learn about the presumption of joint managing conservatorship, the standard possession order, equal custody trends, and how to establish paternity.

Grandparent Rights in Texas Custody Cases

Learn about grandparent custody and visitation rights in Texas, including standing requirements under TFC 153.432-433, the Troxel impact, managing conservatorship, and how to overcome the parental presumption.

Custody Rights for Unmarried Parents in New York

Learn how custody and visitation work for unmarried parents in New York, including establishing paternity, court jurisdiction, the best interest standard, and same-sex parent rights after Brooke S.B.

Grandparent Visitation Rights in New York

Learn how grandparents can petition for visitation rights in New York under DRL Section 72, including standing requirements, the best interest standard, and the impact of Troxel v. Granville.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities in Illinois

Understand how Illinois allocates parental responsibilities under the 2016 IMDMA reform, including significant decision-making, parenting time, and best interest factors.

Relocating with Children in Illinois

Understand Illinois relocation law under 750 ILCS 5/609.2, including distance thresholds, the 60-day notice requirement, 11 statutory factors, and how courts decide relocation cases.

Michigan's 12 Best Interest Factors in Custody Cases

Understand the 12 statutory best interest factors under Michigan's Child Custody Act (MCL 722.23). Learn how courts weigh each factor, the role of the established custodial environment, burden of proof standards, and the Friend of the Court's recommendation.

Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines

Understand Michigan's parenting time guidelines, including standard schedules by age, best interest factors, holiday arrangements, long-distance parenting time, and the Friend of the Court's role.