If a parent has sole legal custody , that parent has the right to make decisions on the child s health, education, and overall welfare (doctor, schools, etc). In joint legal custody both parents share the decisions. How is a decision made? The judge usually approves a custody plan agreed on by the parents. Experts lawyers and psychologists agree that parents should be one hundred percent physically, emotionally and psychologically fit before filing a child custody case since this will require utmost attention and focus on the subject matter. Until issues concerning guilt and emotional stability are settled, parents are not advised to file for a child custody case. In order for them to motivate themselves regularly after what happened, they should start small since this is one of the easiest ways to start coping. Also, they would be able to forgive themselves over things that are beyond their control. You should also stay in good company to maintain your continuous recovery after losing a child custody case. When you feel that you basically know the details and the process of a child custody case, then now is the time for the much awaited instance filing for the child custody case. Basically, filing for child custody requires filling out so many forms that the local family court can provide you. Once you get hold of these forms, you can ask the court personnel to assist you in filing them. Here, you can read first hand information from people who have done it themselves so you will learn how will you get started on your own child custody battle. Making the child understand child custody For some, there is no more heart breaking than to see a child suffer from the decisions that adults do. For a parent, it is wise to be fully satisfied to a temporary child custody agreement in the first place. The reason is that there is a good chance for it to become permanent. Modifying this into a new one, even for a very minor issue will mean heavy costs on both parties. Costs Experts, judges, and child psychologists often advise parents to settle their child custody agreements out of the courts.