Are mothers more likely to win child custody cases? Some experts believe so. CNN reports that in the U.S., more than 80% of custodial parents – meaning the parent that children live with for the majority of the time – are mothers. Does that mean the courts favor mothers as potentially better caregivers? CNN suggests that unfortunately, some judges take a biased, “old-fashioned” approach in assuming that women by default are better caregivers than men. This article is not intended to make judgments on individual situations – there are many cases when judges make fair decisions based on the Best Interest of the Child standard – but rather we’re writing this to help fathers understand how to make their custody dispute as stress-free as possible.
If you’re a dad fighting to spend more time with your children, read on for some helpful tips in bringing justice to your child custody case.
- Pay As Much Child Support as Possible! One of the main reasons that fathers lose custody of their children is that they are unable to pay full child support. But many fathers then make the mistake of ignoring this completely. Paying some child support is better than nothing. Failing to pay child support doesn’t just put you at risk of not seeing your children, it also puts you at risk of jail time. If there’s any way you can pay even a small amount toward your child support, do it. If you don’t, you’re certainly risking jail time. According to Judge Gail Tusan, some judges will consider modifying a child support agreement in certain circumstances, when they see that a father is truly making an effort.
- Pursue Your Equal Rights! If you and your partner had a child when you were not married and then decided to separate, the custody usually automatically goes to the biological mother. As a father who isn’t married to the mother, you could be labeled as an “unofficial” parent. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! Take steps right away to file legitimation papers, asking the court to establish that you are the official father and your official parenting is in the child’s best interest. According to The Florida Department of Revenue, establishing paternity gives you all the legal rights of a father.
- Get Legal Advice As Soon As Possible! Child custody cases can get messy and complicated fast! The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb believes in justice for your case, and fighting for the outcomes that are best for your family.
Are you going through a child custody dispute as a father or a mother in the Naples, FL area? We do everything possible to make the legal process of child custody agreements easier and more convenient for you – from offering evening appointments to being available around the clock for urgent questions and concerns. Get started with a free 30-minute phone consultation today! Call 239-226-0888 or contact us online.
The Law Offices of
Michael M. Raheb, P.A.
2423 First Street,
Fort Myers FL 33901
Office: 239-226-0888
Fax Number: 866-949-0888
