How do you support your partner during their custody battle?

A custody battle is likely to cause huge emotional stresses for anyone involved. How can you best support your partner during this trying time in their life?

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6  Answers

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By Janel Southard

- Posted on Feb 1, 2012

I think the most important thing is to support whatever decisions they might make. When my husband and I first met his ex girlfriend was pregnant and it was extremely difficult on everyone. Initially, I tried to put in my two cents and tell him what I thought he should do. But that only caused more problems in an already tough situation.
Soon I learned what he really needed wasn't unsolicited advice but just someone to listen, hold his hand and support him.
I didn't agree with all the choices he made but I know he appreciated the fact that I let him make decisions about his own child. If he wanted my input, he asked for it. I made sure to choose my words wisely and to never badger him.
We all want to help and want things to go the "right" way, but at the end of the day that is someone else's child and not our business. It's important to know your place.

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By Kearston Ingraham

- Posted on Feb 2, 2012

A simple "Baby I love you" followed with a nice peck on the check goes a long way.

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By Evelyn Witt

- Posted on Nov 14, 2012

I am of a mind that those going through a custody battle need the support more than the advice. THey have enough on their plate already what with the court dates, the other parent, and all the nasty stuff going on. It is a nasty business because most times both want full custody. In some cases they will both do what they can to get it. If you need to give advice, remind him or her that the children are the ones that suffer the most and to put them first before self. I did not have a new boyfriend or soon to be husband when I had a custody issue with my ex husband. I only had my family. And that very advice is what saved my kids.

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By Tysie Davis

- Posted on Feb 12, 2012

I think the best thing one can do when a partner is going through this situation is to just be there for them and support them in anyway you can, but make sure you don't over crowd them for there is a lot of stress and emotional tension that will be floating around and well no one wants to get snapped at over something that they didn't do or have any control over...Just stand by your man/wife or girlfriend/boyfriend's side and support them ask them "what do you need me to do for you baby?" simple things like that.. would help a great deal I'm sure...

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By Stephanie Rena Sloan

- Posted on Feb 5, 2012

When I got with my fiance, he was able to see his little girl once a week. Then, her mother started telling him he was not allowed to see her until they went to court. Right after she told him that I found out I was pregnant, it made him happier than I have ever seen him. But, now he is always sad and upset because he misses his daughter. He has not gotten to see her for almost a year. Everyday he says he can not wait to get the money for a lawyer and I support every choice he makes. He loves our son but he really wants to see his daughter and if I have anything to do about it he will get joint custody so that he can see her all the time.

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By LINDA LANE

- Posted on Feb 2, 2012

by talking to them and figureing out what will be best for the Children.

  • Erica - commented on Feb 19, 2012

    Just let your partner know that you are always there for them and that you will support them in any way that you can. Oftentimes, just listening to them vent or being there so they can run things by you is all they need, along with lots of hugs and reassurance;)

  • Karma - commented on Aug 18, 2012

    I supported my DH through his custody battle..... it lasted for months and was incredibly hostile and unpleasant. We got married right in the middle of it (secretly) and the way we got through it was to get a kick-ass attorney (!), and just devote ourselves to each other and the children throughout the process, to try to lessen the stress, and protect the kids. He ended up coming to an out of court agreement, after I encouraged him to approach her with the lure of additional financial support. We decided the (temporary) sacrifice was worth it, so the kids could also be raised by their daddy.

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