When you have seperated from your partner it is stressful enough. Legal rights for custody can push this stress to unimaginable levels. When this happens it is often the case that parents tend not to think rationally and their actions or decisions can have not just a negative effect on children but can ultimately mean losing a custody hearing or worse, losing visitation rights all together! Any good family law child custody specialist will tell you how important it is to keep your cool regardless of how you may be feeling towards your ex-partner. If you think that he or she is being unreasonable then keep a diary. Make sure you note down everything. Showing in a court room that you have been flexible and made all efforts to be involved with your childrens life and welfare will impress.