1. Fathers and Child Custody in
California
Published by Beck Law P.C.
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2. Fathers and Child Custody in California
It is a common belief that women are the more capable
parent and child caregiver. Historically, the public has
stereotyped the mother's role as critical to a child's physical,
emotional and social development. Alternately, the father's
customary role was the supplying of food, shelter, clothing
and acting as a disciplinarian. His position in the home rarely
involved the direct care and nurturing of the couple's
children. Because of these long established biases, when a
couple divorced the mother usually received custody of the
children.
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3. Fathers and Child Custody in California
California family courts no longer
embrace the traditional model of
parental roles and view the
approach as antiquated. Rather than
favoring one parent over the other,
California family courts have
adopted a more balanced and
evolved philosophy that guides child
custody awards. This viewpoint
requires that custody
determinations be based on only
what the evidence demonstrates is
in the best interest of the child. In
this stance, the role of both parents
is critical to the overall development
and well being of the child.
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4. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Child custody battles often have
devastating effects on both parents.
However, in a heated and prolonged
custody battle, your child is the person
who suffers the most. Because of the
potential long-term negative effects on
your child, California family courts
frequently disfavor those parents who
attempt to alienate their child from
the other parent. Parental alienation
occurs when one parent tells lies to
their child about the other parent,
thwarts the other parent's visitation
time or engages in other behaviors
that could cause the child to lose trust
and respect for the non-custodial
parent.
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5. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Prevailing in a custody dispute requires the presentation of
only truthful, objective and verifiable evidence. Making false
allegations of child abuse, neglect, endangerment or other
questionable behaviors will weaken even the most solid of
child custody cases. Alternately, the court will favor the
parent who consistently demonstrates that they are in the
best position to assist the child in fostering a positive
relationship with the opposing parent.
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6. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Several factors can influence the father's likelihood of
success in a child custody case. The father must demonstrate
to the court his readiness to assume the role of primary
custodian. The odds of winning are higher if the father can
show a history of gainful employment and job stability. To
gain custody the father must secure and maintain a safe and
sanitary residence that can adequately accommodate the
needs of the child. Additionally, the court may ask to review
the father's plans for childcare for the times he is at work,
medical care arrangements and more.
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7. Fathers and Child Custody in California
During custody disputes, the court scrutinizes
the character of both parents. It is best that
personal conduct is unmarred. Those individuals
with a history of criminal convictions, drug and
alcohol abuse problems, untreated mental illness
and domestic violence rarely receive a custody
award.
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8. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Statistics demonstrate that if a
father's personal conduct is
unmarred and he can prove that
he is ready to take on the task of
primary caregiver, he can, and
often does prevail in a child
custody dispute. Sadly, many men
who desperately seek this
custodial role give up prematurely.
They fear and erroneously think
that the family courts favor the
mother. proceedings and not give
up prematurely.
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9. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Moreover, many fathers simply
stop the custody battle because
they cannot afford the mounting
legal fees, the costs associated
with court appointed
professionals, cannot take the time
off work for court hearings and
more. As fathers become more
educated, they will realize that
that they do have good odds of
gaining custody of their children.
However, they must persevere in
the legal proceedings and not give
up prematurely.
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10. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Consult a Lawyer
A knowledgeable family law attorney is one of the best resources to turn to when
considering a divorce and its effects on child custody. A divorce attorney can work
with you to establish the criteria to consider regarding divorce, child custody and so
many other aspects of ending a marriage.
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11. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Beck Law P.C. is located in Santa
Rosa and offers an entire scope of
divorce services to clients in Santa
Rosa, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert
Park, Sebastopol, Healdsburg,
Sonoma, Kenwood, Glen Ellen,
Windsor, Bodega Bay, Ukiah, Willits,
Clearlake, Lakeport, Kelseyville and
throughout Sonoma, Mendocino and
Lake County.
Beck Law P.C. offers a no cost, no
obligation initial consultation and
can furnish the experience and
knowledge to help guide you as you
come to the decision to divorce and
navigate the waters ahead.
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12. Fathers and Child Custody in California
Making an appointment to meet with us is not a
decision to file for divorce. It is merely an investment in
exploring what options may or may not apply to your
particular situation. Your visit to the Beck Law Offices is
confidential, as is the information discussed. You can
contact our office at 707-576-7175 or contact us online
in Sonoma County, Lake County or Mendocino County.
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