The separation of parents through divorce or marriage annulment is a serious problem for parents and children alike. Many problems arise from divorce or separation and these include child custody issues.

For parents who still share some form of understanding and mutual love for the children often get joint custody. This means that the parents are still friends but are no longer intimate. Child custody issues can be a real mess for parents, who often see each other as the Antichrist. The other parent often gets the short end of the stick just because of selfish reasons of the other party. The other parent gets only limited or partial custody.

Here are five tips about child custody issues

• Always seek legal advice - it may be expensive but it pays to have a good lawyer. If you can't afford a lawyer, there are always government legal advice services to go to. You may need legal advice on many things concerning you and your children while you're in the middle of a child custody case or even after that. A simple change of residence can have a very negative effect. So get legal advice for any major activity or decision that affects the kids.
• Always let your children know that they're loved - Even though you and your partner are on each other's throats, find some way to tell the kids that they're loved by both their parents. Do not let them in on your personal problems. This should lessen their depression regarding your separation. Do not alienate your husband/wife from your child unless your ex is truly abusive or has a criminal record.
• Keep a clean house - Keep away from drugs, guns, or alcohol or anything that might risk the custody of your child. Drugs, alcohol abuse, pornography or any illegal activity will earn you the label of an unfit parent. If you lost custody of your child because of these in the first place, you need to reexamine your life and start over. After losing your vices, you'll stand a better chance of regaining custody of your children.
• Stick to the parenting plan or court order - If you have a parenting plan, you should be able to stick to it. Many parents totally lose child custody because they neglect what has been agreed upon. Let the other party know any reason or problem that will prevent you from sticking to the plan. If you have some sort of court order that gives you limited custody, try sticking to it also lest the other party totally pulls the plug. You can always appeal when things settle down.
• Be prepared - your ex may change his or her mind about maintaining a joint or partial custody. Be prepared for any arguments the other party might make. Maintain a guilt-free lifestyle and a good impression on your kids.

Don't risk the pain of losing custody of your child or getting minimal visitation rights.