Whether you are a father or you worry about an unfavorable custody outcome as a mother, it is important to go over various information related to child custody. In fact, more men have become custodial parents in recent years, which proves that it is certainly possible for fathers to gain custody of their children.
Sometimes, people wrongly believe that custody always goes to the mother. If you have kids, child custody is one of the most important aspects of the divorce process to consider and you should focus on protecting your child’s best interests and your relationship with them.
How many fathers secure custody of their kids?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more fathers have gained custody of their children in recent years compared to the past. For example, fathers made up 20.1% of all custodial parents in 2018. During 1994, fathers accounted for 16% of custodial parents.
What should custodial fathers keep in mind?
If you are a father and you secure a favorable custody outcome, you need to keep a number of factors in mind. Aside from raising your child and potentially sharing custody with your ex or cooperating with them and ensuring they have the ability to visit your child in accordance with the terms of a visitation order, you need to think about finances.
The Census Bureau reports that only 43.1% of custodial fathers received the full amount of child support during 2017. Moreover, custodial fathers are statistically less likely to receive public assistance than custodial mothers. Stay committed to a favorable custody outcome and your child’s best interests down the road.