When their parents divorce, kids often feel overwhelmed by the changes that this will bring to their lives. As a dad, you want to do everything possible to make this process easier for your children, protecting their interests and fighting for the best possible outcome on their behalf. Depending on the details of your individual situation, this may include seeking full custody of your kids. However, as a dad, this may prove to be challenging.
The court’s main priority is to protect the best interests of the kids, and the judge will make rulings based on what he or she believes will be ideal for the mental, physical and emotional health of the child. If you believe that you should seek full custody, you will benefit from understanding more about what the courts look at when considering full custody petitions and how you can build a strong case.
What is best for the kids?
There are two primary types of child custody: physical and legal. Physical custody is the actual time you will spend with your child, and legal custody is your right to make important decisions on his or her behalf. Courts generally prefer to grant parents joint custody, meaning that parents will share legal and physical custody rights. However, there are situations in which it is best for the child or one parent to retain sole legal or physical custody, or both. As a father, seeking custody rights can be a challenge.
When a father seeks full custody of his or her child, the courts will look at various factors. Some of the factors a court takes into consideration include which parent acted as primary caregiver for the child, the home environment, the relationship the child has with each parent and more. You have the right to present evidence to the court to validate your claim for full custody of your kids.
The challenges dads face
In the past, family courts preferred to give primary custody to the mother. Now, however, courts recognize this is not always the best scenario for the kids. A parent has the right to tenaciously defend the interests of his or her kids and fight for a specific outcome to a custody case. While Nebraska dads may face certain challenges, it is possible for a father to secure full legal and physical custody of his kids.