| One of the best ways to win a custody dispute is to | | | | determination still rests on the fault model. |
| emphasize all of your good traits as a parent. At the | | | | Although many states today have no-fault versions |
| same time, it is equally important to downplay any | | | | of divorce, fault reasoning still plays a major role in |
| attempt to make your soon-to-be-ex appear to be | | | | making custody determinations. Traditionally, the |
| an unfit parent. This is not to say that you should not | | | | parent who was most "faultless" within the marriage |
| point out instances of abuse or neglect, but certainly | | | | and divorce was awarded custody of the children. |
| do not appear to be focusing on bad-mouthing your | | | | Typically, the parent who was found at "fault" was |
| ex. | | | | the parent who either committed adultery, abused |
| Judges and attorneys have seen this too often, that | | | | drugs or alcohol, was a physical abuser, or was guilty |
| we have become very suspicious of alienating | | | | of child abuse or neglect. |
| strategies. True or not, we often assume that the | | | | So the dilemma is this: while the courts frown upon |
| parent making these allegations is the less fit parent. | | | | making malicious accusations, it actually encourages it |
| If you are interested in winning any custody dispute, | | | | at the same time. So, as long as custody |
| you must always remain mature and even-tempered, | | | | determinations will continue to be based on the fault |
| especially when you are appearing before a judge in | | | | model, my recommendation to you is to handle the |
| court. | | | | negatives on part of the other parent in a |
| Although the legal system has become more cynical | | | | non-confrontational manner. You should present |
| of parents using alienation and malicious strategies | | | | yourself as the parent who is better able to provide |
| against their former partners, it seems to be | | | | for your child's best interests, not as the parent who |
| encouraging it at the same time. When making | | | | is spiteful and still bitter. Be doing so, you will appear |
| determinations related to child custody, often the | | | | to be the parent with superior parenting skills. If you |
| judge will have to decide which parent will more | | | | follow my recommendation, you will be more likely to |
| frequently act in the child's best interest. Making this | | | | win a favorable custody arrangement. |