[quote]OK, I'm married almost 15 years, 1 child (age 8, a daughter whom I adore!). I no longer love my wife; she has been browbeating me for years and I'm just plain frigin tired of it. Aside from the monetary and property issues, I happen to want my daughter. She is adopted and my family paid all the costs, however regardless, I love her and I want to raise her even if by myself. Do judges rule for the mother in most cases other than demonstrated abuse by the mother?

Just one question out of many I'm sure they'll be..... [/quote]

If both of you want primary custody, then there is going to be a costly court battle. You are better off coming to an agreement with your wife, because you aren't going to get full custody unless you can prove that the mother is unfit. Just like she won't get full custody unless she can prove you unfit.

It would help if we know what state. Most states have joint legal custody, only 5 have a presumption of joint physical custody.

It doesn't matter who paid the costs of the adoption. You are the father and your wife is the mother, period.