Divorce and separation can take a lot from both parties, both physically and emotionally. When you add a child custody case to the equation, things can get a lot more overwhelming—especially when you don't know what to expect.

A reliable child custody attorney can guide you through the dos and don'ts so you don't jeopardize your case. Discover the types of evidence your lawyer can present to help your case.

Contact with the Child

The court considers the child's best interests to determine if you are a good fit for a custodial parent. If you don't live with your child, you need to make an effort to keep in touch and ensure your keep a diary of the messages and phone calls. The log you present should outline the times and frequency of communication.

If you're the custodial parent, be careful with how you react when the non-custodial parent calls. Denying the parent access to the kids can be used against you, which could increase your chances of losing the case.

In the same way, non-custodial parents need to reach out to their kids wisely. For instance, you should avoid late-night calls that could disrupt the children's sleeping schedule or provoke the custodial parent. Be careful with the kind of conversations you have with your kids. Don't attempt to paint a bad image of the other parent to try and sway your children.

Visitation Diary

Besides the regular calls, you should also create time to spend time with your child. Keep a detailed visitation log that outlines when the visits occur, the venue, frequency, and how much time you spend with them. Such information can be evidence of how much effort you put into maintaining a cordial relationship with your child.

In addition, the current custodial parent can use the visitation log to prove a lack of commitment from the other parent. For instance, if the non-custodial parent is inconsistent with their visits, the court might assume that they'll do the same if granted custody.

If you feel you might be involved in a child custody case soon, you're better off if you start preparing for it now. Other than the communication and visitation logs, gather photos, videos, and audio recordings of the other parent's habits that you feel will come in handy during the case. Most importantly, seek the counsel of a child custody lawyer for tips to increase your chances of gaining custody of your child.