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. Here, you can read first hand information from people who have done it themselves so you will learn how will you get started on your own child custody battle. Barring major disagreements in the wishes of each party, parents can easily determine their rights to custody of their children. However, when both parties cannot reach an agreement, mediation is necessary. Mediation refers to the process that involves intercession of an independent third party to aid parents in making decisions about their custody rights. These visitation rights also offer exclusive time with the child every other weekend, alternating major holidays, and a number of weeks during vacations. Sole custody Sole custody gives the custodial parent exclusive physical and legal rights over the child. However, this type is rare, and is generally restricted to cases where one parent is deemed in poor condition or is deemed irresponsible (drug addiction or child abuse, etc). In other states, the courts have the discretion to determine how much relevance it will put on the child s preference regarding his or her custody. 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. Divorce is indeed a difficult phase in your life, especially if it concerns your child. In fact, a lot of divorced parents manage to make their child custody arrangements work for the benefit of their children. Even if you and your former partner are no longer living under the same roof, there are ways to ensure that your child gets adequate love, care, and attention from both of you. Various states have different rules and guidelines involving custody rights for fathers. Some states require fathers to seek custody of their children while applying for divorce. The courts decide custody rights according to the best interest of the child. The following factors are taken into consideration by the courts: The physical and mental ability of the parents to take care of the child The main caretaker of the child Who makes the decisions involving the child Who helps the child in his or her daily activities Who has better finances to provide for the child s needs As a father trying to get custody of your child, you must be aware of the two custody options available to you: legal custody and physical custody.