Handling a Child Custody Case Pro Se
When 33-year-old Danielle Price received court papers from her ex-husband’s attorney, she broke down in tears. He was petitioning for full custody of their two children — claiming she was unstable and unfit. Danielle knew it wasn’t true. She believed he filed the case to punish her, stop paying child support, and continue controlling the children. She couldn’t afford a lawyer — but she refused to give up.
With the help of Courtroom5, Danielle represented herself and protected her children in family court.
The Custody Battle
Danielle had primary custody since the divorce. Her ex-husband, a wealthy businessman, had limited parenting time and paid regular child support. But after Danielle began setting boundaries and refused to tolerate his emotional abuse, he retaliated — filing for full custody and accusing her of being an unfit parent.
The petition was full of exaggerations and outright lies. Danielle knew she needed to fight back — and quickly. That’s when she found Courtroom5.
Building Her Response With Courtroom5
Danielle enrolled in the Pro Se Litigator Plan and used Courtroom5’s Personal Practice of Law — a 5-step AI-guided system to help her defend herself and her children.
Step 1: Choosing the Procedure
Courtroom5 helped Danielle choose the appropriate response — an answer to the custody petition along with counterclaims for joint custody and child support enforcement.
Step 2: Reviewing the Rules
Courtroom5 showed her the family court procedures and timelines in her state. She learned how to request discovery, file parenting plans, and introduce evidence of abuse and financial coercion.
Step 3: Fact Pattern Analysis
Using Courtroom5, Danielle built a fact pattern that included:
- A history of stable parenting and school involvement
- Past controlling behavior by her ex-husband
- Text messages and voicemails that revealed manipulation
- Evidence that the children were afraid of extended visits
She connected these facts to the legal standard — the best interest of the children.
Step 4: Legal Research
Courtroom5 suggested search terms like “retaliatory custody petition,” “family court coercive control,” and “custody modification best interest standard.” Danielle found case law showing courts protect children from being used as tools in power struggles.
Step 5: Document Generation
Danielle used Courtroom5 to generate:
- A professional answer and counterclaim
- A motion to compel discovery about her ex-husband’s finances
- A motion for temporary custody and supervised visitation
She followed Courtroom5’s instructions to file and serve everything on time.
Hearings and Case Management
As the case moved forward, Danielle used Courtroom5 to:
- Prepare for mediation
- Track court orders
- Organize her trial notebook with evidence and witness lists
She documented every exchange with her ex-husband and included a report from the children’s therapist showing signs of distress after visits.
In Court
At the custody hearing, Danielle calmly presented:
- School records showing stability and good performance
- Communications proving her ex’s intent to punish her
- Expert testimony from the children’s counselor
- A parenting plan that prioritized safety and stability
Her ex-husband’s aggressive tactics backfired in front of the judge.
The Outcome
The court denied the request for full custody. Danielle retained primary custody. The court ordered continued child support, counseling for both parents, and supervised visitation until the father could prove a safe environment.
What Danielle Learned
Danielle never wanted to fight in court. But with Courtroom5, she found the strength to:
- Understand the custody process
- Analyze legal and emotional facts
- Research protective family law
- File and argue court documents
- Stand up for her children in court
The Personal Practice of Law empowered her to protect her family.
You Can Do It Too
If you’re fighting for your children and can’t afford a lawyer, you don’t have to face family court alone. Courtroom5 helps you stand your ground.
Start your Personal Practice of Law today. When it’s about your children, every step matters — and now, you have the tools.