Going through a divorce is equally difficult for both men and women, especially when children are involved. The most difficult step in getting a divorce when children are involved is child custody. As both parents love their children, they want to fight for full physical and/or legal custody of their children.
However, the courts all over the US always take into account the well-being of children when making custody decisions. In other words, the chances of both parents getting joint custody of their children are high. In a few cases though, it is possible that one of the parents gets full custody, offering very limited or absolutely no visitation rights to the other.
The general misconception is that sole custody is often awarded to mothers, not fathers. This isn’t always the case. As a father, and with the help of an experienced child custody lawyer in Brainerd, you may be able to get the full custody of your children.
Here’s what you can and should do to get full custody.
1. Try to Negotiate a Custody Arrangement
The easiest way to ensure you get the custody is to negotiate the arrangement outside of the court. If it is possible, you can discuss the potential parenting options with your soon-to-be ex. You should get your lawyer involved in the process. Your spouse is also likely to do the same.
You can discuss various factors including visitation rights, parenting plan, child support, and major decision-making responsibilities (education, health, and religion) during your negotiations. Remember, both parents have equal right to be a part of their children’s lives, and it is also necessary for the healthy upbringing of the children.
While a custody battle can help you get what you want, it should be your last resort. Custody battles are not only expensive but also time consuming and emotionally draining. They often have a devastating effect on yours and your children’s mental health. That’s why you should try negotiating a parenting plan first.
2. Provide a Stable & Nurturing Environment for Your Children
If all means to negotiate a parental plan fail, start building your case to win the custody of your children through court proceedings. The first step is to ensure complete financial stability. As a father, you should be able to provide your children with enough resources and a healthy living environment.
If you already have an unofficial arrangement with your spouse about monetary support or any other household responsibilities, make sure to stick to your end of the deal. You should be capable of providing your children with the same lifestyle they were enjoying before the separation. It usually involves factors like social life, education, food, clothes, housing, and healthcare, among other things.
Furthermore, make sure you talk to your attorney about the modifications made to child support laws in 2018. Understand how these modifications will affect your chances of getting full custody as a father. Your attorney can help you prepare your case in accordance with the latest changes in the divorce and child custody laws.
3. Build Excellent References to Strengthen Your Case
Your financial stability alone isn’t enough to turn the custody decision in your favor. One more critical aspect is your overall behavior, not just as a father, but also as a human being. You need your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and the people involved in your children’s lives like their teachers, doctors, and parents of other children, to see you as a good father and an upstanding citizen.
With the help of an experienced child custody lawyer in Brainerd, you will need to collect affidavits and references from these people to make your case stronger in the court. So, if you are involved in any charity or volunteer with a local social or church group, make sure to add their references to your paperwork. Financial stability in addition to good references can help lay down the groundwork for your custody battle.
However, you also need to be involved in your children’s lives as a father, not just for the sake of winning your custody battle. So, don’t act or pretend. Try to get actively involved in your children’s lives as much as possible. You can drop them off and pick them up from school, join them for doctor’s appointments, attend their soccer games or important school events, and spend quality time with your children.
4. Hire an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Brainerd
Finally, you need to hire the most experienced child custody lawyer in Brainerd as quickly as possible. Make sure to discuss your case in detail with your lawyer. Each case is different. So, based on the preliminary analysis of your case, your attorney will tell you about the potential outcomes and the next legal steps you need to take.
You must, however, remember that the judge and the court will always keep the best interest of the children in mind when making the custody decisions, and so should you as a father. That’s why your expectations should be realistic and you should be prepared for the outcome, whatever it may be.
Conclusion
As a father, you can get full custody of your children after divorce. However, you will need to start preparing for the legal proceedings as soon as possible. These four tips will prove helpful in hitting the ground running for your custody battle. With the right legal help and a little bit of patience, you will be able to ensure the best future for your children.
Call the Experienced Child Custody Lawyer in Brainerd Today!
Are you worried about not getting the custody of your children after the divorce? Talk to the expert lawyers at Carlson & Jones, P.A. to explore all possible legal options. We will provide you with the best legal advice and help protect your rights as a father. Call us at 855-762-6548 or contact us online to find out how we can help you.