When you have made the decision to separate from the person you've been married to for some time, that cause some distress. When you hope to earn sole custody of your children, that can make the situation even more stressful for you. At such an emotional time, it's vital that you're able to take a step back and approach things in a logical manner so that you can get the outcome you're seeking. Avoid these kinds of actions if you are petitioning the court for sole custody.

Having No Proof

You may think you've got very good reasons for seeking sole custody. However, you can talk to your divorce or family attorney all day long about what your spouse is doing, but if you are unable to produce proof of what you say, you might be at a disadvantage when it comes to an official ruling.

• Emails and text messages
• Statements from witnesses
• Police reports
• Medical records

You might also want to keep some kind of journal that details interactions between you and your spouse and conversations that you've had. If your children tell you stories about their own interactions with the other parent, write those down as well.

You also have to have proof of some kind that you're a better, stable parent. Witness statements can help here as well, but try keeping logs of the times you take your kids to their school activities and medical appointments. Track how much money you spend on their food and clothing costs during the month.

Venting on Social Media

Your spouse might be making you angry, and blowing off some steam online may seem like a good friend, particularly if you've got an online profile seen by relatives and friends in your social circle. You may hope for some support, but you need to be very careful about who you allow to see the words you're saying. Somehow or another your angry words could make their way back to your spouse; even if you delete posts, someone might be taking a screenshot of what you're saying. If this happens, your spouse's lawyer could use that to disprove your claim.

Therefore, when you need to vent, call up someone you trust and stay away from social media until you're feeling better.

When you make appropriate choices during this tough time, your efforts will pay off and you'll soon be able to see a better life for you and your children in the future. A lawyer like The Law Offices of Lisa E. Frazer, LLC will be able to provide extra guidance so that you're able to mount a strong claim for sole custody of your kids.