| Parental custody is by far one of the most important | | | | several things you must do as a father seeking |
| decisions that will happen with your child. As a father, | | | | parental custody. First, you must show that you are |
| you have as much right to custody as the mother of | | | | a capable parent and second you must show that it |
| your children does. In actuality, custody of small | | | | is in your child's best interest to live with you. |
| children is very often granted to the mother. Fathers | | | | Some of the things a family court looks at when |
| are granted primary custody in fewer than 10% of | | | | determining custody include: |
| cases. Joint custody is an option that gives both | | | | · Ability to spend quality time with the child |
| parents custody, and is sometimes an amicable | | | | · Provides a stable home life for the child |
| solution to a difficult problem. As a father you need | | | | · Does not demonstrate any prior problems |
| to learn the best ways to gain custody of your | | | | (child neglect, drug use, illegal activities) |
| children. | | | | · Can provide emotionally and physically for |
| While most people use the terms interchangeably, | | | | the child |
| child custody and legal guardianship aren't necessarily | | | | · Psychological evaluation of the children |
| the same thing. Child custody and parental custody | | | | · Desires of the children (school age) |
| consists of both legal and physical custody. Legal | | | | There are some things to keep in mind when you are |
| custody refers to the right to make decisions for the | | | | working through a child custody case. Always seek |
| minor child no matter where they live. Physical | | | | to maintain regular weekly visits and telephone calls |
| custody is where the child resides. Parents are | | | | with your children. Spending quality time with them is |
| expected to take care of their children no matter | | | | an important factor in choosing custody. Take an |
| where they reside. Paying child support doesn't | | | | active role in the decision making process and attend |
| guarantee visitation rights. Child custody, visitation | | | | as many of your children's functions as you can. |
| rights child support payments are all part of the child | | | | Staying involved and informed are two key pieces |
| custody case. | | | | necessary for good parenting. Avoid letting children |
| There are many factors that go into the decision of | | | | see or hear any anger between the parents and help |
| a judge in a child custody case. Where there is | | | | kids cope with the emotions of divorce by going to |
| proven child neglect or abuse the decision is relatively | | | | family counseling. Most of all, always consider what is |
| easy. Most cases are not that straightforward. There | | | | in the best interest of the children. |