Going through a divorce is difficult, especially when there are children involved. Throughout the divorce process, including before and during, each parent has the same legal right to the custody of their child or children. They are both given the same legal standing until either one parent gives up custody rights or they are denied them. Basically, until you have a signed custody agreement from a judge, each parent has the same legal rights with anything concerning their children. This includes where the children live and who they live with. Keep reading as we discuss how to protect your parental rights in a divorce.
Here’s What the Numbers Say
Divorcepeers.com found that most custody cases are not decided by the court. Instead it found:
- 51 percent of custody cases result in parents agreeing that the mother becomes the custodial parent.
- In 29 percent of custody cases, the decision was determined without a third party being involved.
- 11 percent of custody cases result in the mom being awarded custody during mediation.
- 4 percent of custody cases actually go to trial and of that, only 1.5 percent completed custody litigation.
What This Means
A large majority of fathers are giving up equal or shared custody. Most of the time this is because they have heard that the court is gender biased, and the mother always wins custody. Other times they give up because they have been taught that a child needs their mother. But, a child needs their father too. If you’re a father who wants to have equal parenting time it is something you should fight for. Here are some steps you can take if you want equal parenting:
- Keep a record of the times when you were not allowed to see your children. Once you have significant documentation, bring it to the court. The court system will then hold the person accountable for interfering with your parenting time.
- Hire the Holman Law Firm to represent you during your fight of establishing equal parenting time for your children.
- Ignore the negativity. Just because someone you may know was unable to get full custody of their children does not mean this will be the same for you.
- Refrain from compromising before mediation or your court date. Once a deal has been struck there is no going back.
If seeing your children and keeping them a part of your life is important to you, don’t let the idea of a custody battle keep you from seeking the parenting time you deserve. Children need their father just as much as they need their mom, and this doesn’t change after a divorce.
The Holman Law Firm is committed to providing the best legal service in Pensacola, Destin, Pace and Cantonment, FL in a variety of legal areas including Family Law and Personal Injury. We specialize in Fathers’ Rights and will be there every step of the way to fight for your rights. Contact us now for a free consultation at our office or go online at www.holmanfirm.com.
Services We Offer:
Family Law | Child Custody | Divorce | Personal Injury | Auto Accidents
