Child Custody for Fathers

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Child custody can be one of the most heated arguments to take place in divorce proceedings between a couple that no longer wants to be married to one another. Because of this, the children can be hurt emotionally. Courts want to make sure before child custody is awarded to either party that the children will be taken care of financially, physically, and emotionally. If not, then custody will be awarded to the other party involved in the divorce case. Child custody, prior to the twentieth century, was awarded to the father of the child as defined by common law. This is because children use to be viewed as rightful property of the father. This has since changed and courts have begun to favor the mother of children in child custody cases stemming from divorces. The change in ruling came about when people began assuming that children would be better off if they were placed in the custody of their mother and not their father. This train of thought lasted for only a short time and it shifted once again. This time it shifted back in favor of the father, who were thought to be of equal credentials to have custody of their children. Most courts recognize the fact that children benefit by having both of their parents active in their life while growing up. Those same courts still believe that the primary caregiver during a marriage should remain the primary caregiver of the children following the marriage.

Custody for the Father or the Mother?

Child custody for the father or the mothers is still debatable today. In fact, 70 percent of all child custody cases are awarded to the mother. Child custody cases are awarded to the father less than 10 percent of the time while joint custody of the children is awarded to both the father and mother roughly 20 percent of the time. In one of the most lopsided years in United States history regarding custody decisions, 40 percent of the decisions handed down that year resulted in absolutely no custody rights, access rights, or visitation rights for the father.

Child Custody and Decisions

Child custody decisions are handed down from judges involved in these cases and the decisions are dependent upon what is the best interest of the child. If the judge feels that the children involved in the case will benefit most from their parents having joint custody then the judge will reward joint custody to both the mother and father of the children. If joint custody is awarded then a parenting plan will be established that outlines how the mother and father will share the responsibilities and rights of their children. The parenting plan includes who will make the major decisions in the child's life, where he or she will live permanently, where he or she will spend the weekends, holidays, birthdays, and etc. To help judges determine who receives child custody they will listen to the testimony of the mother and the father as well as the children involved in the case. Some of the factors involved in making child custody decisions are the history of any child abuse or neglect, past parenting history, household stability, personal behavior and time available to dedicate to raising a child.

If you may be going through a Divorce and need legal assistance, consult with a Divorce Attorney in your area to receive a free case review.
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We've helped 85 clients find attorneys today.
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By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

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