Going through a child custody battle is generally stressful for both parents. But, in most cases, the strain is more on the father since many courts rule in favor of the mother. Mothers get the upper hand due to the tender year's doctrine, which requires young children to live with their mothers. Luckily this theory is slowly fading, and now parents get equal rights when it comes to child custody.
Today, judges make the ruling that ensures the best interest of the child. But gaining custody of your kids won't come easily, and thus you need to prepare adequately for the negotiations. Read on to discover valuable tips that help fathers win child custody.
Focus On Yourself, Not Your Ex-Spouse
Many people focus on criticizing their partners in court to win the judge's favor. However, revealing the flaws of your ex-spouse makes you look petty and might negatively impact your case.
Remember that a child custody case is all about what is best for the child. That is why you should focus less on your ex-spouse and, instead, present ways that you will meet the child's needs. Besides, before the court gives you custody, you must prove that you can offer a good environment for your child's development.
Be Realistic and Honest
As much as you want to get custody of your child, you need to be honest with yourself on what you will offer in the co-parenting arrangement. You need to have a clear sense of your new life and the responsibility you are thinking of taking. For instance, consider your life as a single parent and whether it is ideal for fighting for the child's custody.
If you are honest with what you can do and offer, the chances are the court will take your request seriously. Conversely, lying will only prove to the court that you are not a fit parent.
Get Remarried
Getting remarried can be of great benefit to your child custody case because the court will consider the new spouse in your life to be a mother figure for your child. But that does not mean you should solely get married to win your case.
However, if you plan on getting remarried, do it is with someone willing to help you raise your child. The court might also need to question them to learn more about their take on the situation.
With these valuable tips, you stand a high chance of winning the case. However, these child custody battles can be draining and too much to handle on your own. Your safest bet is to contact a family law firm to help guide you and present your case in court.
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