[Juno1]

I do not understand everything about child custody cases, but I want to raise my own children. Because of my past gambling problem, my ex-husband was granted legal and physical custody of our children. Instead of raising our children, he decided to let them stay with his mother and sister. One child lives with his mother and the other lives with his sister. We both live out of state. I understand that the parent with legal custody can decide where his/her children should live, but wouldn't judge prefer that the children live with the father or mother? In addition, does it look good in the court for children to not live with either parents?

The reason why I am asking these questions is because I have my life together. I am doing very well. Most of all I truly love my children and I would like for them to live with me since their father hasn't shown any indication that he wants to raise them. I am just trying to find out how a judge will feel if a parent with legal and physical custody has not made any attempt to raise their children. My children are with me every summer. I see them as much as possible. My problems are well under control.

I am not the only mother in this world who has been through something. So, do I have a chance of getting my children back?

Would it be that difficult to regain custody of my children? I do not understand how women who actually kills someone and get of jail and get their children back. But I keep hearing that it would be difficult for me to get my children back. I do not understand.