Fathers have just as much a right to obtain custody of their children as mothers do. However, many fathers face challenges when trying to gain full or partial custody of their children. Finding the best child custody lawyer and taking steps to show you are capable of caring for your children can help strengthen your arguments for gaining custody. These tips provide guidance about what to do if you are seeking custody of your children.
Stay Current with Child Support Payments
Although child support does not affect your right to obtain custody
of your children, a judge may interpret failing to keep up with payments as a
lack of interest in caring for your child. If you have been ordered to pay
support, make sure to do so on time. If you and your co-parent have an informal
child support arrangement, keep records and proof of payment.
Cultivate a Strong Relationship with Your
Child
Regardless of your child’s age or how much parenting time you
currently have, it is critical to build and maintain a solid relationship with
your child. Communicating regularly, whether by phone, text, videoconference,
or in person, shows your child you care about them and keeps you up-to-date on
what’s going on in their life. Don’t forget to make time for fun activities and
provide emotional support when they need it.
If you have family or close friends in the area, help your child
cultivate their relationships with your loved ones as well.
Stay Involved and Attend Important Events
Showing a commitment to supporting the social, educational, and
religious aspects of your child’s life can help you make a case for
custody. Parent-teacher meetings,
doctor’s appointments, sporting events, school plays, playdates, and birthdays
are just a few examples of important activities that can help strengthen your
bond with your child and show you are involved in their life.
Keep Records
To demonstrate your involvement in your child’s life, it is a good
idea to maintain records of the time you spend with them. Keep a calendar of
your visitation schedule and parenting time, your parenting plan, and
vacations. You should also document any events or meetings you attend that
involve your child. Good child custody lawyers will advise you on exactly what to document
and the best way to keep records of your involvement with your child.
Prepare a Space in Your Home for Your Child
All children need their own space where they can spend time relaxing
and playing. The court will want to know about how your home is set-up and
whether your child has a room of their own. Even if you live in a small
apartment, creating a small space for your child to enjoy is essential.
Create a Plan for Your Child’s Needs
Staying on top of all aspects of your child’s care shows that you are
dedicated to providing for them to the best of your ability. Write down your
plans for their education, child care, after-school activities, and health
care. Having a plan for continuing emotional and financial support shows a
judge that you are willing to do whatever it takes to give your child a stable
and happy life.
Be Respectful
Custody battles are often fraught with emotion and can be very
contentious. However, it is vital to show respect to your co-parent and the
court. Do not badmouth your co-parent in front of your children or in court
proceedings. Judges definitely take your attitude into account when determining
custody arrangements, so stay positive and polite.
If you and your co-parent cannot communicate in a civil manner, have
your family law attorney handle communications during negotiations and
proceedings. It is also important to remember that you and your co-parent share
a lifelong commitment to your child, so it is best to make the effort to get
along.
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