The Custody Journal

If an amicable divorce agreement is no longer working and a custody arrangement is being threatened, one will need to create an armory to defend her rights as a parent.

One thing that a parent can do to defend herself is to create a custody journal. The journal can be utilized in custody proceedings, so she should try to keep it as detailed as possible.

The log will need to chronicle the amount of time spent with each child, either as a group or on an individual basis. The following information should be written down in the custody journal:

• amount of time spent tutoring each child
• amount of time spent attending or driving to and from the children’s’ extra- curricular activities (karate, soccer, hockey)
• amount of time spent actually playing with the children and the sorts of activities in which the children and parent have been engaged


Pictures, children’s drawings, ticket stubs and the like can be used to enhance the diary. These additional objects can increase the value of the journal to an attorney.

If used correctly, this journal will prove beyond a doubt that you are a responsible parent who cares about her children. The information inside could be a catalyst in gaining the court’s favor in your custody struggle.