Lifestyle

How to Get Full Custody of Your Child

Published

3 years ago

September 16, 2022

If you’re going through a divorce and there are children involved, custody is almost certainly one of the most pressing issues of the proceeding. And if you want full custody, it’s important that you go into it with a plan.

Common Types of Custody Agreements

When it comes to custody, the final order will address both physical custody (which parent the child lives with) and legal custody (who has the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, including issues related to medical treatment, schooling, finances, etc.).

There’s no standard custody arrangement. Every family dynamic is unique and circumstances change from one divorce to the next. With that being said, most custody orders end up looking like one of the following:

One parent gets sole legal custody and sole physical custody
One parent gets sole physical custody and both parents share legal custody
Both parents get physical custody and legal custody (joint custody)
One parent gets sole legal custody with joint physical custody

Even within these types of custody agreements, there can be unique arrangements, caveats, rules, and restrictions. This is why it’s important for all parties to carefully review any proposed arrangement before signing anything.

3 Tips for Getting Full Custody

As you work through the different aspects of your divorce, here are several tips you can use to increase your chances of gaining full custody:

Understand How Custody Decisions are Made

If you’re interested in getting full custody – which is a big responsibility – you’ll have to prove that (a) you’re capable of having full custody of your children and giving them the best chance to thrive, and (b) your spouse is incapable of providing basic care and will be a detriment to their upbringing.

In other words, it’s not just about you. You can be the best parent in the world, but if your spouse is a pretty good parent, too, you’ll never get full custody.

When making custody decisions, the judge takes a big picture view and considers factors like:

The child’s age, sex, and health
Each parent’s health (physical and mental)
Each parent’s lifestyle and social factors
Each parent’s ability to provide for basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, medical)
Each parent’s established living pattern (school, home, etc.)
The existing emotional bond between each parent and child
The impact on the child’s status quo
The child’s preference (if old enough to express an opinion)

“Assuming that none of these factors favors one parent over the other, most courts tend to focus on which parent is likely to provide the child with a stable environment and better foster the child’s relationship with the other parent,” Nolo.com explains.

In a situation where both parents are fairly even (in terms of the factors listed above), it’s highly unlikely that full custody will be awarded. Assuming your spouse also wants custody, joint custody is the most likely outcome.

Hire an Attorney

Don’t try to handle your divorce on your own. If you’re serious about gaining full custody, you need an experienced attorney at the helm.

“There are many factors that a judge will consider in determining custody arrangements—and you probably haven’t thought of all of them,” attorney Rowdy G. Williams explains. “ An attorney who’s very experienced in child custody cases is essential to getting a custody agreement that’s favorable to you.”

Be open and transparent with your attorney about what your wishes are from the start. While they can’t do anything to change the facts or circumstances of your divorce, they can frame you in the best light to increase your chances of getting the custody agreement you desire.

Prove the Other Parent is Unfit

While it’s not fair or ethical to speak falsely about your spouse, you have to prove that the other parent is unfit to have custody. In order to do this, you’ll have to drag up their dirty laundry and make sure the judge knows who they really are. This is where it’s important to give your lawyer everything they need to know. Don’t hold anything back.

Putting it All Together

Nothing matters more in a divorce than the health and well-being of your children. You and your spouse will eventually move on and make new lives for yourselves – possibly remarrying and enjoying more happiness than ever before. But your kids don’t get to move on so easily. A divorce impacts them for the rest of their lives. Make sure you’re prioritizing their well-being above all else.

Lifestyle

Alabama Car Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2026

Michelle Langton

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term financial strain. In the aftermath of a collision, victims often face mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and ongoing physical pain. Navigating insurance claims and legal processes on your own can be overwhelming, especially while trying to recover. Hiring an Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer acts as your advocate, handling complex legal matters while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life after a crash.

Why You Need an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even when the accident was clearly not your fault. Adjusters may pressure victims into giving recorded statements, accepting quick settlements, or downplaying injuries. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

With in-depth knowledge of Alabama traffic laws, liability rules, and personal injury regulations, your lawyer can manage the legal complexities of your case. This includes identifying responsible parties, calculating damages accurately, and ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. Having an Alabama car accident lawyer on your side helps level the playing field and prevents costly mistakes.

Understanding Alabama’s Fault and Negligence Laws

Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can have a major impact on car accident claims. Under this law, if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Insurance companies frequently use this rule to deny or dispute claims.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments by gathering strong evidence, challenging unfair fault determinations, and presenting a clear narrative of liability. Understanding how Alabama courts interpret contributory negligence is essential, and your lawyer will build a strategy designed to protect your right to compensation.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Common injuries include:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Back and spinal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue injuries

An Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that all injuries are properly documented, including emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs. Accurate documentation is crucial for demonstrating the true impact of the accident and pursuing maximum compensation.

How an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer provides support at every stage of the legal process:

Case Evaluation – Reviewing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage to assess the strength and value of your case.

Evidence Collection – Gathering photographs, accident scene documentation, surveillance footage, and repair estimates to build a compelling claim.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies – Advocating for fair compensation and preventing insurers from undervaluing, delaying, or denying your claim.

Litigation – Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached, ensuring that your case is presented effectively before a judge or jury.

Having an Alabama car accident lawyer manage these steps allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal and procedural challenges.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident

An Alabama car accident lawyer will evaluate all damages related to your crash to ensure nothing is overlooked. Compensation may include:

Medical expenses, both current and future
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Costs of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation

In more serious cases, compensation may also address permanent disability or diminished quality of life. By working with an Alabama car accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who understands how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages accurately, ensuring any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the accident.

Benefits of Hiring an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Working with an Alabama car accident lawyer provides several key benefits:

Maximized Compensation – Ensuring all damages are properly calculated and pursued
Expert Legal Guidance – Navigating Alabama laws, statutes of limitations, and insurance requirements
Peace of Mind – Reducing stress by allowing your lawyer to handle communications and negotiations
Stronger Case – Strategic legal representation and thorough evidence collection improve outcomes

Many Alabama car accident lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless compensation is recovered.

When to Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important to contact an Alabama car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Early legal consultation helps preserve critical evidence, accurately document injuries, and ensure compliance with filing deadlines. Prompt action can significantly impact the success of your case and the amount of compensation you receive.

Tips for Working With Your Lawyer

To make the most of your relationship with an Alabama car accident lawyer, consider these tips:

Keep detailed records of medical treatments, bills, and insurance communications
Take photographs of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
Be honest and thorough when describing how the accident occurred
Follow medical advice and maintain documentation of your recovery

These steps allow your Alabama car accident lawyer to build a strong, well-supported case on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can have serious and lasting consequences, both physically and financially. Consulting an Alabama car accident lawyer is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal system, and pursue the compensation you deserve. From investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, an Alabama car accident lawyer provides the experience, advocacy, and support needed to move forward after a serious accident.