Fathers might find it a challenge to enforce their parental rights when it comes to gaining the custody of their children. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t gain custody. If you are a father worried about losing custody of your children, here are a few tips you could follow to establish your case:
Never miss out on paying your child support payments
Not paying your child-support payments on time depicts your lack of interest in raising your child. This can hamper your chances of gaining custody of your child. It is good to maintain proofs of child support payment and keep your records. Nevertheless, if you are not able to afford these payments, you can always request for a modification.
Maintain a strong relationship with your child
Your child not being in your custody doesn’t mean you cut off all connections with your child. In fact you should communicate regularly, check on his/her progress, call or visit when possible, help him/her feel secure, and reassure him/her of your presence. Such things can talk a lot about what your child means to you.
Don’t miss out on important events and meetings
If your child is important to you, all the things that are important to him/her should also be important to you. You will have to try and attend every event or meeting that might be important for your child, including school plays, parent-teacher meetings, sports games, birthday parties, baptisms, and playgroups. This will be interpreted as a meaningful relationship between a father and his child.
Have a dedicated space for your child in your home
You may not be living in the same home as your wife and child. But you can still have a space in your home for your child. Make sure your child is comfortable and well-cared for whenever he/she visits you. You need to be prepared to respond to the inquiries when you are asked about accommodations during your custody hearing.
Plan for the needs of your children
The court may want to know what your plans are to support your children. You need to have proper plans in-place for their education, care, and after school activities. Before giving the orders regarding the custody of the children, the judge may want to find out if you have adequate financial resources to support your children.
Be honest and respectful
As a father it is very natural that you may want to stay with your child; but you need to also find out if this is in your child’s best interest. Make sure your responsibilities do not interfere with your care for your child. Also, despite the stressful court proceedings, you will have to show respect to everyone who is involved in this. This includes not just the judge but also your child and your child’s other parent.
Get in touch with other fathers who have fought for the custody of their children. Find out the challenges they have faced. If possible you can even consult a child custody attorney. This will give you a fair idea about the custody proceedings and help you understand what mistakes you can avoid.
Court hearings are always expensive and stressful. A better way to deal with this would be through mediation or arbitration. It could be easier to come to an agreement under the guidance of a neutral third party.
