This will definitely affect your children s lives and your relationship with them in the future. There is no standard definition when it comes to a child s best interests. To have a clear idea of what the best interest of a child really entails, it pays to know the factors that are taken into consideration in many custody cases. If you are one of those who are in the process of divorce and planning to file for a child custody, then you should stop dwelling on your past and move ahead for the betterment of the people that you love the most your children. Smooth sailing child custody proceeding Parents who are into a battle for their children s custody should be ready head on to face the challenges of this unfaithful experience. Also, you can focus your attention on the factor that has caused the custody to be given to the other parent. And most importantly, keep in touch with your child by maintaining regular contact with him or her. If physical connection would not be possible, try to find other means to communicate such as sending him or her letters through email, send her photographs, call the child as often as possible and even sign up for a social networking site so you can be updated with his or her whereabouts. Usually, the courts require fewer limitations on evidence presented at temporary custody proceedings than that presented at permanent custody proceedings. Several things have to be considered when you try to win a temporary custody of your child. Determine the factors of your case that should be focused on so that the judge will decide in your favor. Joint custody A joint custody order has two parts joint legal custody and joint physical custody. Joint legal custody means both parents will share in major decisions regarding the child. The custody order spells out the issues where the parents must share decisions. The time the child spends with each parent is referred in the joint physical custody. Aside from the Internet, you can also read a lot of parenting magazines where there are feature stories on legal issues that concerns any family such as child custody. 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.