I was with a girl for 4 years. We have a beautiful 3 year old daughter together. On July 27 of this year we took a "trial" separation. I realized I had a drug problem and that is why we were always struggling. I always provided for my daughter and though it was hard sometimes I always managed to "come through" if we were about to loose the house or needed food, elec, cable etc. After she left I was so depressed and angry I started trying to figure out what was wrong. I realized my problem and immediately fixed my drug problem. Since then I have done nothing but show my love and dedication to my ex and daughter. She has been using a friend as a shoulder to cry on but in my opinion the friend is trying to control the situation. I have given my ex a vehicle, I pay for daycare, I buy her groceries the list is never ending. Every time we start showing signs of progress the friend steps in and blows it apart with rumors or bringing up the past and only the negative stuff from the past. I also try and see my daughter 7 days a week even if its for 5 min on the days I don't have her. My question would be if this ends up in court who is going to get custody. They say the best interest of the child. So where my daughter always wants to ride with me and always wants to go to my house and my ex is being influenced by a third party keeping her from working this out. Wouldn't they rule in my favor? I also have e-mails and FB messages printed out that prove the third party is controlling the situation. Please give me any and all advice for this situation. I am so lost right now I don't know where to go from here.

There is no way to predict what a court will do. Generally, the mother will be given preference especially if she is living with the mother now. That doesn't mean you won't get frequent and generous visitation.

We have her 3 days a week each and my dad has her one night.