text: what happens in family court when the father is trying to obtain full custody.? i just was notified that my ex is taking me to court for full custody for our child.  my ex has an attorney and i dont.  should i get a lawyer?  how are the judges in family court? what exactly is a drug and alcohol evaluation? get a lawyer now! if your ex has an laywer and you don't you are at a serious disadvantage! he must prove that you are unfit in order to gain full custody. these are the "golden points" when it comes to winning custody. study them. get as many people as you can (teachers, pastor, girlscout leader, daycare workers, etc.) to write letters (notorized if possible) on your behalf to back you up.  the factors enumerated under the child custody act are as follows:  a) the love, affection and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child.  b) the capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in his or her religion or creed, if any.  c) the capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care, and other material needs.  d) the length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.  e) the permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.  f) the moral fitness of the parties involved.  g) the mental and physical health of the parties involved.  h) the home, school, and community record of the child.  i) the reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express preference.  j) the willingness and ability of each of the parents to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents.  k) domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.  l) any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute.  i've already been through this and it's a hard road ahead. stay strong. good luck!