Many clients want to know how they can "win" their Family Court case. I often tell my clients that there are often on clear winners in these papers. Abraham Lincoln said "discsourage litigation, persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough."
I am a firm believer that most cases can be settled so long as both sides have competant represenation that is familar with all of the issues involved in the case. Don't get me wrong, some case must go to trial, but I always encourage my clients to hear the other parent's fully before making a decision.
Some people are of the position that custody proceedings are corrosive to parents and toxic for chidren and that a custody case should not be tried.