While earlier courts automatically awarded child custody to mothers, this trend is now changing. Child custody for fathers is now a reality, even in the case of daughters. Courts now try to decide which spouse will be the better parent based on the atmosphere at home and parenting time in waking hours. Here are some useful child custody parenting tips for fathers:
1. Keep a Journal
Record details of time spent with your child in a journal. This can include visits to the barber, the dentist, or the zoo. If you helped your child with homework or attended the PTA meet, make a note of that as well.
2. Clean Home
Provide your child with a clean home when she visits you. If you can, provide her with a room of her own as well as sufficient space to keep her belongings. Ensure that your home is drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. If your neighborhood provides opportunities for her to pursue her hobbies, then highlight this fact to your attorney. Your home should also be close to a good school. Your pantry should be stocked with nutritious food for your child.
3. Child Care
When you are asking for physical custody of your child, you need to assure the judge that your child will be in safe hands even when you are away at work. Ensure that you provide details of the child care facilities you use. Keep your current romantic interest out of the childcare debate. You need to prove that you can independently take care of your children.
4. Keep Your Temper
Even in the most trying circumstances do not lose your cool in front of your children. Be especially careful about the way you speak to them about their mother. By showing that you can be a responsible parent, you will be able to convince the judge to award you child custody.
5. Character
Do not do anything even faintly illegal when you are fighting for custody. Your past too can come back to haunt you – if you misrepresented your income while filing tax returns or were caught driving when under the influence of alcohol, then the judge is most likely to view your application with disfavor.
6. Photos
Take photos of you and your child at home and in parks and other child friendly places. If you show that your child is happy in your company that will go a long way in the judge deciding in your favor.
Legal Help
Even as you take these steps, contact a lawyer and ask them to file an application for physical custody of the child as soon as possible. A good lawyer will be able to use the material and evidence you have gathered to convince the judge to award you custody of your child.
