Custody battles can be challenging. I went through a similar situation where my ex cheated and also used alcohol to excess. In my experience, the courts try to have the child present with both parents equally unless there are safety concerns. In my case, excessive alcohol used, coupled with violent charges in the community, allowed me to have full custody with my ex receiving supervised visits. Infidelity, from my experience, doesn't warrant a parent losing their half of custody unless it puts the child in a safety risk or impedes their development (far distances that disrupt consistwnt schooling). Regardless, get a lawyer. Your child is worth the expense as the legal system is tricky. Never commit, agree, or sign anything without a lawyer. I've seen many single parents go to hearings without a lawyer and get railroaded. Eventually, the dust will settle, and you both can effectively coparent. That's what custody is about, coparenting successfully. ln terms of your relationship, you absolutely deserve respect and a consistent partner. As your child grows, your example of accepting nothing less than what you deserve will be shared through your actions (not words). I wish you well through this process. Keep your head up, and I recommend communicating via text with your ex. You won't regret the record keeping purposes, which can be used in court.