Unless your co-parent is a threat to your child, a judge will almost certainly favor some form of shared custody. Research shows this is the best outcome for the children.
There are various ways to schedule this. Being stubborn and refusing to budge an inch will only make your future relationship more complicated. Showing that you are willing to compromise makes it more likely your co-parent will reciprocate.
Show the judge you are a decent human being
A judge will notice if you continually interrupt the other person, belittle them or behave poorly toward them. Focus on showing why you are a good person and parent rather than why your co-parent is a bad one.
Do not take the bait if your co-parent tries to antagonize you. If you were in a long-term relationship together, they probably know better than anyone how to wind you up. Count to ten, squeeze a stress ball under the table or do whatever you need to do to stay calm. Exploding in anger will not look good in front of the judge.
Remember, custody is all about the kids
It is easy to get so wrapped up in the custody issue that you fail to spend time with your kids. Telling them that you do not have time to play or read a bedtime story because you have to study up on custody rights is not what they want to hear. They need you to be there for them and reassure them that things will turn out fine.
Having support from someone who understands the legal side of custody frees you to spend more time with your kids. That is, after all, what you are aiming for.
