Custody issues often arise when a couple decides to separate or divorce. Couples usually don't disagree about who the child should actually live with. In most cases, they decide that the mother will have physical custody and continue to be the primary caregiver. However, both parents may wish to retain legal custody. This means each parent will have equal say in important childrearing decisions. Couples who are having difficulty reaching an agreement can benefit from private or court ordered mediation. This process interjects a level headed third party into these discussions. Such intervention can help keep child custody issues from turning into a prolonged court battle. Occasionally, one parent will want to cut off the custody rights of the other parent completely. In such cases, each parent will need an experienced attorney to represent them in court. The process of proving that a parent is unfit can be highly destructive to a child's relationship with both parents. It should only be used as a last resort if a parent actually presents a danger to the welfare of the child or to the other parent.