It is a global misconception that in a child custody battle, mothers always end up winning. It is because of the bond a mother has with children and though it is right that women do have a better chance of getting their children’s custody, it is not 100% correct.
Legally, a father has just as much a chance of winning child custody as the mother has. This has nothing to do with a mother being bad but with the father being considered a more stable option for a child. There is a lot of pressure on the father in this case, so he has to be on his feet. Some of the things that a father can do to gain custody of his child are listed below.
Adequate Documentation
A father who wishes to have sole custody of his child has to show the courts that he is willing to do whatever he can. This starts with a thorough knowledge and effort made on learning what documents a father should present, what papers and reports the court will need. This means that they get in touch with a good lawyer, who can show them what to do before a court hearing.
Etiquette and Behavior
A father who is genuinely interested in getting custody of their child has to watch his behavior. A large portion of the judgement will be made on how a father acts when he is frustrated or upset. Divorce is a trying time for both parents and this means that there will be emotional outbursts. If a father wants custody of his child, then he has to make sure these outbursts are limited and refrain from being witnesses, should he feel the need to vent.
Court Room Dressing
Dressing properly will ensure that the court has a good impression of a father. If a father comes to court in a casual dress rather than a suit and shoes, then it comes off as him not being caring enough. If a man cannot make the effort to look presentable for an important hearing, then his ability as a responsible adult is questioned.
Best for the Child
A father who wishes to have custody of his children has to show the court why it is not good for them to continue living with their mother. This should not be done maliciously because that will affect the reputation of the father. The more calmly and rationally it is done, the better are the chances of a father gaining the court’s favor.
A father is an important person throughout a child’s life. Unless it is an extreme case, the court prefers he has some part in the child’s life. This can often mean either joint custody or visitation rights at least. To have the chances of a father gaining full custody of their child, the points above should be kept in mind. This does not guarantee that the father will get custody, but it will give him a winning chance for sure.
Kieth Boyd had written the accounts of many fathers who have successfully gained custody of their children. His philosophy is that a good lawyer who can educate you is your ticket to get the legal help you need for custody of your child. For more on child custody and how to increase your chances, he recommends consulting DJP Solicitors.