Here are some ways that you can make the child understand the situation: 1. Ask your child if you can have a serious conversation with him or her. The major reason why kids don t understand child custody is because adults underestimate their skills to comprehend complex family issues. If you are on an on going process of child custody or are planning to get started on it, ask your child to a serious conversation. Unmarried fathers and child custody Different states in the U.S. have different perspectives on child custody cases, especially between couples who are not married. In most states, however, the unmarried mother is awarded sole physical custody, unless the unmarried father makes moves against such decisions. The parent with physical custody can dictate where the child will live. The latest custody provisions give physical custody to the custodial parent and grant visitation rights and legal custody to the non-custodial parent. These visitation rights also offer exclusive time with the child every other weekend, alternating major holidays, and a number of weeks during vacations. In custody cases, the courts usually favor the biological parents. Custody rights are determined based on the best interests of the children. These rights specify who will have physical and legal custody of the child. The payments for child support are also figured out in custody rights cases. The rights to the custody of a child may be given to only one parent or legal guardian or be shared by both parents. If it is a joint physical custody , the child shuttles between each parent s homes. If a parent has sole legal custody , that parent has the right to make decisions on the child s health, education, and overall welfare (doctor, schools, etc). In joint legal custody both parents share the decisions. How is a decision made? To ensure that you will win child custody case that you have filed, you should make your child s welfare the most important thing. Make sure that their welfare is monitored and they are safe from any form of harm while on the process. You should also document all the details. These include the things that you are not comfortable about when your child is with your ex partner or spouse.