I wouldn't say "everything worked out" for me. You will learn in time that whenever you go to court, you have to give to get. You just simply won't get everything you ask for, so I found it was better to initially aim high, and then work out a "compromise" that was more in line with what your actual expectations are.

My Ex and I were equal care givers. Hammer that home. You are a not a "weekend Dad," you are a staple in your children's lives, and their stability both physically and emotionally depends on your involvement with them. She will dispute this. You will rebut saying she is full of it. It's up to the judge to decide.

I found probate court was just a game of percentages. Everything you do is just to try to add a few percentage points to your column. Have court? Show up on time, dressed appropriately. Have a child exchange at the local police department? You're there 15 mins early. Document, Document, Document literally everything. Someone needs a contact number? Here you go, I have it readily available because.... my kids are the most important thing to me. Get a therapist. Not because you are mentally unstable, but because you are "willing to utilize all the resources available to you in order to navigate what is sure to be a difficult transition for both you and your kids." Im not saying if you do all this, that you just... win. Far from it. But it all looks good, and on any given day that might be just enough to sway your favor with the judge.