Can a father win child custody in court?

In the past, family courts often gave preference to mothers in decisions regarding parenting time. While things are improved for fathers now, they may still have to fight for rightful custody in court if the mother is unwilling to negotiate a reasonable custody and visitation agreement. When preparing for this type of court appearance, it may be helpful to be familiar with the things the court will look for and consider before making a decision.

Factors to consider

In a custody hearing, a North Carolina court will look at several factors that will help the judge make a decision he or she truly believes is in the best interests of the child. Some of these important factors include:

• Which parent is the primary caregiver? In most cases, the father is capable of caring for his children.
• How is the bond between parents and father? The father typically plays a critical role in the life of the child.
• What is best for the kids? Kids benefit significantly when allowed to maintain a strong relationship with both parents.

Fathers would be wise to prepare for a custody hearing by gathering evidence and building a strong case that validates his claim to custody and parenting time.

Don’t fight alone

There is a lot at stake in a custody dispute between two North Carolina parents. To prepare well, it is helpful to work with an experienced family law attorney at every step. This help can prove invaluable when fighting for parental rights and the best interests of the kids.