As a long-time divorce attorney, it’s crucial to keep in mind what is always at the center of a custody battle: the children. AdvertisementPeople who usually lose custody battles often say these phrases:1. To make matters worse, badmouthing your ex in a custody hearing does nothing to convince the judge you’re the reasonable one who should get what they ask for. It also doesn’t assure the judge you’re the best person to entrust the children to. A founding partner of Kirker Davis LLP, her legal practice focuses on high-asset divorce, business and professional divorce, custody matters, and complex litigation.