In most cases, both parents want custody of their children and are willing to give up everything just to win their custody battle. What most divorced or separated couples do not realize, however, is that custody should focus on what serves the best interest of their children. If you want to get custody of your child, follow these tips to win the custody battle. The following answers are mostly in general terms inasmuch as they apply and/or recognized by the courts all over the country. What is custody? Custody means who is responsible for the children in cases when their parents do not live together. This applies to couples who are separated, divorced, or never married. On the contrary, you need a lawyer if you are not familiar with the state laws governing your case. In the hearings, the judge will hear the arguments from both parties. If the decision is not in your favor, you can always make an appeal. If the higher court upholds the decision, accept it and be contented with the visitation rights granted to you. However, this belief has been contested by many fathers who think they are equally capable of raising their children. In fact, the courts have gradually recognized that fathers, too, deserve custody rights over their children. According to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 15 percent of custody rights were awarded to fathers in 2004. Child Custody And The Unmarried Couple Child custody is already as complicated as the battle of married couples who decide to divorce. Between unmarried couples, the complications of the custody battle move on to another level. There are entirely new and different issues in unmarried child custody cases. Emotional stability is a must If you are one of those who have just realized the importance of emotional stability and would want to start it but you just don t know how, here are some of the things that can help you before you face a tiring child custody battle: - Re-assess yourself would be the first thing to do.