If it comes down to a nasty court battle you are going to be hard pressed not getting at least joint (50/50) custody unless you have a history of recorded abuse. Judges don't want to break a family apart and are aware that kids need the role of both parents for development. Just take your L's advice, they are your advocate and will protect your rights as a father. I've found that a female L representing other men that I have seen go through the D process with a custody battle seem to get a more favorable outcome, at least in my area.
The L I consulted a few months ago was female.
There is no legal history of abuse. I wrote some apology letters in April that went over the top (trying to save the MR) and would probably be used as evidence in court if it got nasty. The L wasn't worried at the time but she didn't read the letters.
