1. Know your opponent, the court and the opposing attorney when possible.
2. Review and prepare a Proposed NH Parenting Plan.
3. Know your child's history of custody between the parents.
4. Know both party's strengths and weaknesses.
5. Be fair.
6. Be honest.
7. Most alternate the key dates such as holidays by alternating through listing them as “even years” or “odd years” for simplicity and fairness.
8. Have your Financial Affidavit completed and presented to the opposing party in accordance with the NH Family Court Rules and as the Court may order.
9. You may want to present photos of you and your child(ren) when appropriate.
10. Be objective during the hearing and try to be kind. Nobody likes an arrogant angry litigant or attorney.

This answer is based on Attorney Rich Clark's experience in the following Family Division Courts located in Rockingham and Strafford County: Portsmouth, Brentwood, Hampton, Dover and Rochester.