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When you file for divorce in a Louisiana court, you, your spouse and your children must prepare to adapt to a new lifestyle, which can be exciting and stressful at the same time. You must resolve numerous issues pertaining to your children. If you believe that they would be better off living with you full-time, then you must convince the court to grant you sole child custody.

In most cases, judges believe children fare best in a divorce when their parents share custody. If you are asking the court to grant you sole legal and physical child custody, you must be prepared to show that it’s in the children’s best interests to do so. For example, if your ex is addicted to drugs or alcohol, this would be a licit reason to request sole custody.

To gain sole child custody, you must show that the other parent is unfit

The following list shows numerous reasons why a concerned parent might seek sole custody of children in a divorce:

• The other parent is abusive
• The other parent is neglectful
• The other parent has a drug or alcohol addiction
• The other parent is in jail
• The other parent has died

This is not an extensive list; there are many more reasons why a family court judge might consider it in a child’s best interests to award a parent sole custody in a divorce.

Has someone falsely accused you of being unfit?

What if your ex is accusing you of some of the things on the previous list, but you know they’re untrue? You might feel angry, betrayed and frustrated when the court informs you that your ex has accused you of being an unfit parent, but it has happened to many other people in the past. In such a case, there would likely be an investigation, which would lead to a decision that may or may not go in your favor.

Divorce can be messy, and child custody proceedings can be complex and stressful. You do not have to stand alone in court. You can create a network of support that includes witnesses who are willing to testify to your fitness as a parent, as well as trusted family members and friends who can provide encouragement and a shoulder to lean on. Most importantly, always know where to seek support if you’re unable to resolve a child custody issue and have determined it best to address the matter in court.