General Child Custody Articles
Divorces and breakups are among the biggest stressors a person can face — and arranging child custody is one of the hardest aspects.
More than 90% of U.S. custody cases settle, which can reduce the stress. The rate is similar in peer countries. In many, like the U.K., divorcing parents don't even need a court order about their children if they can agree.
For help reaching an agreement, you can use an alternative dispute resolution method, like mediation. Then you can go without a lawyer or hire one for limited services.
Even if you hire a lawyer, do some background research. Knowing what to expect will help you through the custody process, the emotions involved and the co-parenting that follows. The articles in the categories below are a good starting point.
Child custody topics
Overall advice
How to avoid court, people to know in a custody case and overall child custody rules
Types of custody
The many types of custody: legal, physical, joint, sole, split and beyond
Steps
Information to get you from the start of a case to the end
Age-based guidelines
Tips for parenting plans and schedules based on your child's age
Legal concepts
Learn about interstate custody, custody professionals and more
Guides for family members
Advice specific to fathers, unmarried parents, stepparents and grandparents
Special circumstances
Help for families who live in different states, need supervised visitation, etc.