Fathers and Child Custody in California (enhanced by )

Fathers and Child Custody in California

Published by Beck Law P.C.

1


It is a common belief that women are the more capableparent and child caregiver. Historically, the public hasstereotyped the mother's role as critical to a child's physical,emotional and social development. Alternately, the father'scustomary role was the supplying of food, shelter, clothingand acting as a disciplinarian. His position in the home rarelyinvolved the direct care and nurturing of the couple'schildren. Because of these long established biases, when acouple divorced the mother usually received custody of thechildren.

2


California family courts no longerembrace the traditional model ofparental roles and view theapproach as antiquated. Rather thanfavoring one parent over the other,California family courts haveadopted a more balanced andevolved philosophy that guides childcustody awards. This viewpointrequires that custodydeterminations be based on onlywhat the evidence demonstrates isin the best interest of the child. Inthis stance, the role of both parentsis critical to the overall developmentand well being of the child.

3


Child custody battles often havedevastating effects on both parents.However, in a heated and prolongedcustody battle, your child is the personwho suffers the most. Because of thepotential long-term negative effects onyour child, California family courtsfrequently disfavor those parents whoattempt to alienate their child fromthe other parent. Parental alienationoccurs when one parent tells lies totheir child about the other parent,thwarts the other parent's visitationtime or engages in other behaviorsthat could cause the child to lose trustand respect for the non-custodialparent.

4


Prevailing in a custody dispute requires the presentation ofonly truthful, objective and verifiable evidence. Making falseallegations of child abuse, neglect, endangerment or otherquestionable behaviors will weaken even the most solid ofchild custody cases. Alternately, the court will favor theparent who consistently demonstrates that they are in thebest position to assist the child in fostering a positiverelationship with the opposing parent.

5


Several factors can influence the father's likelihood ofsuccess in a child custody case. The father must demonstrateto the court his readiness to assume the role of primarycustodian. The odds of winning are higher if the father canshow a history of gainful employment and job stability. Togain custody the father must secure and maintain a safe andsanitary residence that can adequately accommodate theneeds of the child. Additionally, the court may ask to reviewthe father's plans for childcare for the times he is at work,medical care arrangements and more.

6


7

During custody disputes, the court scrutinizesthe character of both parents. It is best thatpersonal conduct is unmarred. Those individualswith a history of criminal convictions, drug andalcohol abuse problems, untreated mental illnessand domestic violence rarely receive a custodyaward.


Statistics demonstrate that if afather's personal conduct isunmarred and he can prove thathe is ready to take on the task ofprimary caregiver, he can, andoften does prevail in a childcustody dispute. Sadly, many menwho desperately seek thiscustodial role give up prematurely.They fear and erroneously thinkthat the family courts favor themother. proceedings and not giveup prematurely.

8


Moreover, many fathers simplystop the custody battle becausethey cannot afford the mountinglegal fees, the costs associatedwith court appointedprofessionals, cannot take the timeoff work for court hearings andmore. As fathers become moreeducated, they will realize thatthat they do have good odds ofgaining custody of their children.However, they must persevere inthe legal proceedings and not giveup prematurely.

9


10

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.


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.

11


12

Making an appointment to meet with us is not adecision to file for divorce. It is merely an investment inexploring what options may or may not apply to yourparticular situation. Your visit to the Beck Law Offices isconfidential, as is the information discussed. You cancontact our office at 707-576-7175 or contact us onlinein Sonoma County, Lake County or Mendocino County.

http://www.becklaw.net/sonoma-county-attorney.asp



http://www.google.com/



http://www.becklaw.net/mendocino-county-attorney.asp



Documents

Fathers and Child Custody in California (enhanced by )