{"id":3412,"date":"2018-02-21T11:04:05","date_gmt":"2018-02-21T18:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/?page_id=3412"},"modified":"2022-12-14T10:55:26","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T17:55:26","slug":"10-crucial-custody-tips-fathers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/blog\/10-crucial-custody-tips-fathers\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Crucial Child Custody Tips for Arizona Fathers"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the past, courts have generally tended to rule in favor of the mother in child custody cases. This precedent has transferred the burden of proof more heavily to the father, to prove that allowing them custody is in the child\u2019s best interest. However, this does not mean there is no hope for a father to gain custody of their child.<\/p>\n
Child custody cases are commonly referred to as custody battles, because they will be just that, a battle. If both parties feel they should have custody of the child (or children), then it can be a difficult path to determine what is in the best interest of the child.<\/p>\n
As a father, consider the following tips to help improve your chances of gaining custody.<\/p>\n
If there is already a strong, meaningful relationship between the father and the child, this is the most basic and impactful truth for the court. Taking a child away from a dedicated father is not what the courts intend to do.<\/p>\n
A father that seeks to gain custody of a child should strive to remain a part of the child\u2019s life, regardless of the circumstances; this can include:<\/p>\n
Simply showing up to court and arguing that you deserve custody will not suffice for a judge. If a judge is considering awarding a father custody, they will want to see that the father has a plan for caring for the child on their own. Make sure that you have considered all of the child\u2019s needs and have a knowledgeable response to each question the judge has about the plans. Even plans, like which pediatric dentist or doctor the child will visit when they are under your care can be extremely valuable. Plans can include:<\/p>\n
Telling the judge about your plans for the child will not be enough. The judge will want to know that you have put this plan into action. Begin by preparing a space for the child I your home. Having a bedroom set-up for them will show the court your willingness and commitment to taking care of the child in your home.<\/p>\n
If it is a young child, baby-proofing the home can be a good show of effort to make the home conducive for a child. Any steps you can take to prove your dedication to upholding the custody agreement as best you can, the better your chances for receiving some custody of the child.<\/p>\n
Having written proof of all interactions relating to the child will be extremely helpful in court. Maintaining records of all the following is very important in a custody case:<\/p>\n
In court you will need to prove your involvement in the child\u2019s life, keeping accurate and detailed notes throughout the process will allow a father to easily show the courts exactly how they have been involved.<\/p>\n
A court ordered child support payment is a requirement. Any missed, or late payments can and will be used against you in court. Disobeying a court order is never advisable. Unwillingness to pay child support does not cast the father in a good light in the court\u2019s eyes. Try to make payments to the best of your abilities and keep records of the payments and correspondence with the mother. Ensuring that your payments are made in a timely manner each month can help a father to gain custody of their child.<\/p>\n
Look into the family laws in your state and determine which ones apply to your situation. The court is willing to help, if you have the proper grounds to ask them to do so.<\/p>\n