Divorced fathers in California may not try to fight for custody of their children, assuming that the system is rigged against them. This might seem like the easiest solution, but it can rob you of valuable time that you could have spent raising your children. Here’s why you should fight for custody even if you feel that the odds are stacked against you.
Do fathers have to give up custody of their children?
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no family law that states that mothers always get full custody of their children. If fathers give up the fight before it even begins, they might have lost the chance to get full or joint custody. It’s important for fathers to fight for their parental rights instead of automatically assuming that they’re going to lose the case.
To protect their rights, fathers can hire a child custody attorney at the start of the process. An attorney might be able to educate them about the rights and steer them away from making compromises. If you agree to give the child’s mother full custody, you can’t take it back later. Don’t be afraid to pursue full or joint custody of your children.
Fathers should also be aware that even if the mother gets custody, they still have visitation rights with their children. It’s important to take advantage of this time as possible so you can show the judge that you’re an involved father. If you skip out on visitation, the court might assume that you’re not involved in your child’s life and give their mother more parental responsibilities.
How can fathers defend their rights in court?
Hiring an attorney from the very beginning is one of the best things you can do for your case. Many fathers aren’t educated about their rights and don’t know if they qualify for custody or visitation. An attorney could help you figure out the best situation for your family and argue for full or joint custody in court. They could also help you with paying child support, securing visitation rights and other important topics.
