While women still get custody about 80 percent of the time, it’s becoming less of a given in our modern society. The role of a father is becoming more valued and gender roles not so assigned.
If you’re a father who’s thinking about fighting for custody with your ex, then you and your attorney need to make your case extremely well in court. Don’t go into it thinking it is impossible.
As with any custody situation, it is just complicated. Here are four considerations you’ll want to keep in mind during this process.
Avoid Moving Out
Many judges feel it’s best when children remain in the home where they’re used to living. Unless safety is a paramount concern, stay in the primary residence with the children.
Make it known to your ex she’s free to live wherever she wants, but you’re not moving out until a judge orders it. However, you may want to move to the guest room or the basement to keep harmony in the home.
If your ex-wants to move the children, take a stand and make it clear you don’t want that to happen until a judge hands down their decree saying that is what needs to happen.
Of course, this option may not be the best if there is heated tension between you and your ex. In that case, it may be a good idea to rent a nearby apartment.
You could use the apartment so you and your ex could trade off on who is at the house with the kids. This way, both of you have your needs met when it comes to being with your kids and your kids don’t have to face moving away or being separated too much from either parent.
Get Involved with the Kids
Prove you want to be the parent who is there for the kids. Be the parent who volunteers to supervise school field trips.
Volunteer to be the children’s director of community groups. Supervise homework and help the children around the house.
Through your actions show you want to be involved daily in your children’s lives.
Keep a Calendar
Get a pocket calendar and write down each time you go to one of your children’s activities. Write down if the children’s mother is present or not.
When it’s the children’s bedtime, record who is present in the house. You need to be able to prove you’re the more responsible parent to the judge.
Work with Experienced Lawyers
You need experienced lawyers, like those at Madison Law Firm PLLC, standing with you when you go to court. They can help you formulate the case for why your children are better off in your custody.
They can also help you defeat any argument your wife may have against you getting custody. Trust them to give you sound advice. Remember to keep all your appointments with them.
While many judges still side with the woman, it’s becoming more standard for dads to get custody. Use these ideas to help you adjust your lifestyle and prove you should have custody of your children.
If you’re in the midst of custody battle. Remember, the most important part of your dispute is your children.
They need your support during these proceedings, perhaps even more than they will afterward. Here are five things your children need while custody is being sorted out.
