Brandon Brewer asked:

As custody cases become more and more competitive, parents have begun seeking every available opportunity to gain an advantage on their competition. This can involve multiple strategies, with some being more secretive than others. Hiring a child custody investigator is one way to build evidence against the other parent without them knowing. Since custody hearings take a number of different factors into consideration before making a decision, an investigator can influence the perception of the court across many levels.

Contrary to popular belief, child custody investigators are not just private detectives hired by those who can afford their exorbitant fees. The court system also employs investigators to provide them with a better insight into the daily routines and behaviors of both parents. Since the judge is unlikely to witness either parent's activities outside of the court room, it has become more common for the court to assign an independent party to monitor these things. For that reason it is important for anyone facing a custody hearing to become aware of the role that an investigator plays, and how it may affect the outcome of the case.

The goal of an investigator is to measure the tendencies of each parent while interacting with their child. They look for how the parent relates with the child and what activities they participate in while together. Ideally, the parent would offer enriching activities that promote the social and educational growth of their youngster. It is also observed whether or not the child enjoys these activities. Beyond this, the custody investigator is also looking for any signs of physical or mental abuse that may be occurring. Thus, they are making sure the child has a safe and healthy environment in which they can thrive.

Because a child custody investigator is hired to provide evidence to the court system, their work is typically secretive and very thorough. They may utilize many of the same tools and tactics that are commonly found in detective work. Video surveillance, phone tapping, and constant observation are just some of the ways they collect evidence. In a perfect world, their strategies are unbiased and used only to paint an accurate picture of the parental interaction levels. However, in cases where the investigator is hired privately, there is more pressure on them to produce incriminating evidence against the other party. This can be a tough obstacle for the opposition to face, making it important that they identify when they are being watched.

Custody battles have continued to grow more aggressive over recent years. Not only have parents become more willing to experiment with unorthodox tactics to build their cases, but the court system has also grown more stringent in their approach. This combination has left parents on both sides very little room for error. Because of the pressure surrounding these cases, the use of child custody investigators has risen considerably. At one time they were only used by those who afford to hire them privately, but now the courts are beginning to utilize their services as well. Since the evidence provided by them is so heavily weighted by the custody judge, it is vital for parents to recognize the power that an investigator can have over their case.

Steven Carlson asked:

When a divorce or dissolution of marriage is brought before the family court, child visitation is considered at the same time and according to similar factors as child custody. The term stands for the time in which the non-custodial parent is allowed to meet or visit with his/her child. However, under certain circumstances a parent can be denied child visitation or child custody in the case of sole physical custody. Child visitation is often associated with the term “parenting plan,” which typically outlines the type of legal custody and physical custody of each parent and can also define when the child is to visit or be with the non-custodial parent. Parents can reach such an agreement on their own, this is the best case, or the court can decide on this matter, which is often the worst case scenario.

Typically, the best situation for a child in a divorce, child custody, and child visitation matter is when both parents manage to solve their personal differences to reach an agreement or parenting plan or child visitation schedule out of court. In this case, any agreements reached between both parents can become the parenting plan. When a parenting plan is created and child visitation and child custody issues are resolved, it may not require anymore matters to be brought to the court even if the child is very young. A decade ago, the family courts would often give infant visitation guidelines preventing the non-custodial parent from spending a lot of time with his/her child. Such provisions are not valid anymore, but rather frequent and continuous contact with both parents is encouraged. Off court agreements does not necessarily need to be translated in a written contract and signed by both parents. However, parents may be well advised to have a written and signed parenting plan for future reference in case a child custody or child visitation dispute arises. It can also be used as a stipulation between both parties and then issued as a court order for future enforcement purposes.

Now, what if the parents are not able to reach an agreement on child visitation or child custody? Both parents will often be required to participate in a mediation process before having a court hearing or before a judge hears the case. Typically, the two parents will be assisted to work out a parenting plan by a third-party or mediator, who can be an experienced attorney or social worker. Many child visitation and child custody issues find a happy ending through mediation sessions resulting in a parenting plan agreement, which can then be presented as a stipulation ad then as a court order.

Generally, the worst case is when mediation fails. In this situation, the next step is typically for a court hearing in order to solve the issues. Judges nowadays often require custody evaluations of the family by experts in the field of child psychiatry, psychology or mental health. Licensed social workers can also be called to present evidence for consideration by the court. Once all pieces of evidence have been presented, the court will typically make its decision. This is the worst case child custody and child visitation dispute method because it can be very complex, expensive, and long-draw out. In some highly contested child custody and child visitation cases, child custody and child visitation disputes will eventually result in denying child custody and child visitation rights to one of the parent.

Child Custody Coach supplies information, online materials, and coaching services to parents in the field of child custody, namely, divorce, child custody and visitation, child custody evaluations, 730 evaluations, parenting, and all issues related to child custody and divorce. "How to Win Child Custody - Proven Strategies that can Win You Custody and Save You Thousands in Attorney Cost!" is a unique child custody strategy guide written by The Custody Coach and made available by Child Custody Coach in an easy to read, understand, and apply E-Book format. Custody Match is an online consumer and family law attorney matching service to help you in your search for the right attorney for your divorce or child custody case. Custody Match can help you find the right family law attorney, divorce lawyer, or child custody attorney in your area.

Katia Morano asked:

Review: "Child Custody Strategies 2009"

I was in a fierce custody battle with my ex-spouse for custody of my child and I have now won a significant portion of the battle thanks in large part to the tips I received from the Ebook Child Custody Strategies 2009. The authors, Dr. Barry Bricklin and Dr. Gail Elliot, are world renowned authors dealing specifically in getting child custody. There is a version for men and a version for women!!

Honestly, this book made a world of difference. It was so intimidating going through the process and this book not only gave me insight as to what I should do in order to get custody but calmed me down and gave me knowledge about the process itself. This book is a little pricey, but when I decided to buy this book, I just thought how much my child was worth and then it was a no-brainer. Whether you are a man or a woman this book will be very valuable to you. This book will teach out the ins and out and tell you exactly what you need to mention to your lawyer. Imagine taking the knowledge of several family lawyers and judges and pooling them into one book. It's the worst feeling in the world when you leave the lawyer's office after having paid a few hundred bucks for his or her services and then remember that you forgot to ask something. This book will ensure that you won't forget anything. The knowledge doesn't simply come from the authors. It comes from attorneys, consultants and judges.

Of course there are some negatives in the book, but they honestly pale in comparison with the positives. This book is turning out to be a best seller online and is getting some solid reviews. I almost went without buying it. Don't make the mistake of going through the battle without having a weapon...and this is a very good weapon to have in your arsenal. For a little bit of money, you'll get piece of mind and strategies on how to fight the tough legal battle ahead.