Divorce is always a complex process, but when children are involved, it is even moreso. If you are preparing to file for a divorce in which you are also negotiating child custody, it's important to understand how to handle the visitation and custody arrangements along the way. The manner in which you handle your children, the visitation schedule, and your interactions with your soon-to-be ex can have a direct effect on your case. Here are a few tips to help you get through the process.

Document Everything

Your best means of success with your divorce and custody case falls on your ability to document everything. You should keep record of the agreed upon schedule, all communications with other party, and anything that happens in the meantime.

This means also keeping copies of all text and email communications as well as potentially making video recordings of statements from your children if something happens while they are in the other person's care. These things are all important ways of proving your case, especially if the other party is irresponsible, abusive, or otherwise unsafe.

Be Cooperative

Any time you have contact with your ex, you need to be civil, pleasant, and as cooperative as possible. Remember that any of your actions or statements can be used as evidence against you in court. If you are hostile or combative with your ex, it will reflect poorly in court.

Even if your ex is pushing your buttons or trying to make you angry, the best thing that you can do is to breathe, think before responding, and be pleasant and agreeable. If communication is pushed to a point where your children may be in danger, contact your family lawyer for advice before you continue contact.

In a cooperation effort, you should also strive to be on time for all meetings, child transfers, and conversations. In addition, you need to avoid any negative talk about your ex in front of your kids. Anything you may say to them about your ex could be repeated later, and it also puts your kids in a position where they are left feeling as though they are in the middle.

The more you understand about what is at stake in your custody and divorce case, the better prepared you will be for your hearing. With these tips and the help of a trustworthy and reliable family attorney, you can create a case that will help to ensure your final custody order is a sound, successful order.