My X had been manipulating my children. She had wanted them to lie about me and throw fits in public when with me.
She had denied me visitation even though the court ordered it. She moved in a male she met on the internet.
I documented it all and kept a journal.
I did every thing the court had asked me and she did not.
Do you think you would have won if she had strictly complied with the court's directions?
I'm wondering if her refusal of visitation despite court order was the key factor in your outcome.
I told my son to keep a journal from the beginning and though he hasn't fought for custody it helped him reduce the child support from $958 per month to $145 simply because they live with him 90% of the time. He has kept his journal for over 3 yrs in case he ever feels he has to fight for custody.