Fathers have the right to maintain a strong relationship with their children, even after their marriage is over. In the past, family courts often preferred to give mothers primary custody, giving dads just weekend visitation and perhaps one night per week. Thankfully, this is not the case any longer, and dads can fight for equal custody.
Preparing for the fight
For some fathers, pursuing equal custody may be a complex and contentious process. A Nebraska father may have to present a strong case to the court, proving that the child will benefit from equitable access to both parents. Some of the things a dad can do to prepare well for a custody fight include the following:
- Get personal finances in order so that it will be easier for a father to prove he is capable of providing stability and security.
- If it happens, carefully document times when the mother failed to adhere to the terms of the temporary custody order, preventing the dad from seeing the child.
- Don’t compromise on matters simply to avoid litigation. It may be necessary to fight for reasonable terms when an out-of-court resolution is not possible.
Dads play a critical role in the lives of their children, and it may be necessary to protect their relationship with their kids by fighting for a fair custody and visitation order.
The best interests of the kids
The priority in any child custody arrangement is protecting the best interests of the kids above all else. In most cases, this means allowing them to maintain close contact with both parents after a divorce. Nebraska dads may find it beneficial to speak with an experienced family law attorney regarding how they can protect their custody rights.