Andrea is a mother who has recently divorced from her husband.
She was hoping that they could work out a custody arrangement together that would give each parent equal time.
Instead, her husband quickly hired an attorney and is now fighting for full custody.
He is making claims that she isn't a good mother and that the children shouldn't be with her at all.
There are many mothers who end up in a situation similar to this after a divorce.
As they become involved in their child custody case, they worry they won't get to see their kids or that they won't be happy with the arrangement.
It's important for mothers to remember that they have custody rights regarding their children.
Here are some of the basic custody rights that mothers have in their custody case.
A mother should never just go along with what the father says and hope that things change.
She needs to fight for her custody rights during the entire custody case.
If there is a custody battle between the parents, she should hire an attorney.
When looking for an attorney, find one who is competent and adept at family law.
Go with someone you trust and with a lawyer who listens to what you say and has a good track record in court.
While your custody case is in process, you have the right to see your children.
Usually this is the temporary custody period where parents establish a temporary custody agreement.
Be careful how you set up this arrangement because many times courts will just adopt the temporary agreement into the permanent arrangement.
Make sure you fight for custody and equal visitation during this time.
If you are worried that the father will run away with the children, you should make sure your temporary custody agreement is adopted by the court as a temporary custody order.
This will ensure that the authorities can go after him if he leaves with the kids.
As a mother, you have the right to know that your children are being raised in a positive and good environment.
In your custody case, make sure you put in any provisions and stipulations that you want the father to agree to.
You can think of what is important to you and discuss this with an attorney.
Hopefully, the mother and father can work out an agreement that they both like from their custody case.
If parents can work together they can both know their rights are being protected.
If they can't work together, a mother needs to proactively stand up for her rights during the custody case so she can get the time she wants with the children.