Ryry's mom...if 1st time in court, ask who your judge is...you can look judge up,past cases and see what judge favors,usually rules,etc... Don't sweat wittnesses...especially one's you would have sup....You don't have to believe me,but you would be surprized how people act in that situation. SIL may be great, but in court,infront of brother...testifing against...even if she thinks he is wrong,family is family......people will amaze you. If your ex by chance showed with a lawyer,they get to question your wittnesses too....and anything they can find bad about thier character....It is always good to have someone with you in court and if any specific issues come up, judge can ask to hear from people in courtroom...if they have info,eyewitness testimony,etc...so take your friend if can. Don't take too many people...it can come across to the judge that you are trying to intimidate the other parent,etc...Whatever you are asking of court, the judge is only interested in why and how you support your request and most importantly how it will be better for children....you do not say I want custody cause Dad is irresponsible,loser,etc...you say I want it because between the two of us,I am more stable,structured and feel this would be best for my children....phrase everything in that way, don't beat up the ex, let the judge do that...you display, I just don't understand why ex does as he does,really think he could be good dad if he wanted?????Make a list of issues,incidents...things that show,prove your point...no visit,missed ones,phone arguements,etc....have dates,times if nec.,place...make your list neat,easy to read as judge may ask to read it. If you want to bring up the support/job issue,do indirectly. Use it as one of your examples showing ex's non follow through or whatever...work it in like, I do not think ex is dependable,reliable for example he has not informed CSE of his job..let judge pick it up from there...first though if ex shows I would have lawyer ask him on stand about his job, get him to say he has one before you mention your example. Take paper, use your list as reference and if any testimony...anything not true,etc..write it down. Your lawyer should have stuff prepared but if you give added info while he questions,helps him. Most,Most important...DO NOT be afraid to raise your hand,ask for a pause if there is something you do not understand,think your lawyer missed,should address,etc...and if the judge asks before the ruling if you have anything you want to add or say...do it, it's your children...keep it short,direct,ex free...only express in your words your love for your kids,the priority of thier best interest,etc...Appeal time is usually 30 days, but read your state laws carefully as some have different limits for custody...your best source would be to politely ask the judge if you do not like the ruling, what are the appeal limits...atleast you know you will get a correct answer...or ask the courts clerk ...good luck