This can be done by visiting websites on the internet that could give you almost all pieces of information that you need to learn about child custody. Here, you can get as much information that you need to help you gain better understanding on matters that will make or break a child s life. 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. Nobody can blame the parents who have loss custody of their kids if they will feel bitter, angry, depressed and anxious upon learning that after the painful process of fighting for child custody, all your efforts will be thrown at the window. However, no matter how painful the experience must be, you cannot give up. ) Aside from reading books and visiting online sites that offer free information on child custody cases, it would be advisable to talk to somebody an immediate family member, a friend or a neighbor who went through the same things. By talking to these people, you will have an idea what are the things that you should and should not do. So while you are waiting, plan your strategy to boost your chances of being granted the custody of your child. A number of parents opt to have a lawyer to represent them during the court hearing. On the other hand, others opt to represent themselves. If you are well-versed about the laws in your state involving custody of a child, then you may choose not to hire a lawyer. In this child custody arrangement, parents are allowed by the courts to divide for themselves the custody rights as long as neglect or abuse is not involved. Custody rights entail both legal and physical responsibilities of the parents. Legal custody rights allow a parent to make major decisions on things that are involved in his or her children s life such as religion, education, and healthcare. The child must be legally competent to testify in court, meaning he or she understands what the child custody hearings are all about and knows the difference between truth and lies. When a child testifies in court, the judge does not directly ask the child if he or she would want to live with the father or the mother.