It's over - Dad wins!

[aero_8]

I had my day in court today, and it's over. Dad wins! I got everything I could reasonably expect. I'm primary. The NJ got every other weekend and 1 overnight every other week. She pays child support per guideline. Thanks to everybody here for all your help and advice.

[Fatheroffour]

Congratulations.

[beenthere]

That's great news. In fact, it's so good that I think I'll have a drink just for you!

[Trevor]

Awesome aero! Rock on, man! I am sure the X is pleased as punch with the result, but how are the kids taking the news?

[KeepingMyKids]

Congrats to you and your kids!

[tom kirkpatrick]

Way to go, Dude!!

[capslock]

How about a recap of the winning formula?

[aero_8]

The winning formula... Start by marrying somebody completely and totally nuts!

She pretty much sunk herself. I just setup to document everything, and made myself the best dad I could. Keep all contact between yourself and NJ in a form that can be documented. Follow your orders, even if she doesn't. Document when she doesn't. My journal was very useful in keeping events straight. I didn't use it in court, but it was a fantastic reference for me. Everything should always at the very least, look like it's in the child's best interest, even if it's in your own. Positions taken, and communication, should always be civil, and reasonable. Document everything, and make sure that you have something you can go to court with and win. Don't act on emotion. I spent a couple of years building documentation before acting. If she's a NJ, the opportunity will eventually present itself. Act on it.

This board has helped a lot. The guys on here who have already been through this have been a great help, especially when things happen that drive emotional reactions. It's hard to know when you can and should be doing something, and when you just need to sit back and document.

[gateway84_2000]

congrats

My hearing on custody is tomorrow, got everything ready to go. Evidence and everything including a nice powerpoint slide of events. Anything i am missing? looking over it many.many times any help from anyone would be helpful. If you can win so can i

[aero_8]

Look back over my threads the last week. The guys all gave me great advice. Take every advantage you can get, even the little trivial ones. Look professional, be polite, courteous to the court staff, etc. Have your pile of evidence and documentation ready. Be prepared to answer all of the contested facts. If you're lucky, she has nothing on you, and it's an easy win. Skip the coffee in the morning, eat breakfast, take a granola bar, work out the night before, and maybe the morning of. Be absolutely confident, even if you're not.

Good Luck!