Fathers in Missouri may be concerned about their future relationship with their children if they are going through a divorce. Many dads worry that family courts will be biased against them and in favor of the child's mother even though they are loving, active participants in family life. Historically, child-raising was seen as the natural province of mothers, and fathers were expected to be more distant. Many of these views date back to a time when two-income households were far less common. There was a general expectation that the mother would have primary custody of the children while the father would pay child support and visit the children from time to time.
Fathers have equal rights to child custody
How attitudes toward custody for fathers have changed
Some fathers in Missouri may be concerned that they will face bias in family court when they are trying to get custody of their children. Traditionally in divorce cases, mothers were awarded custody because it was assumed that they would stay home with their children while the fathers continued to work outside the home to continue caring for their children. However, attitudes toward the roles of mothers and fathers have changed over time, and courts have followed suit.
Challenging a proposed relocation
It is understandable that following your divorce in Jackson County, both you and your ex-spouse will want to move on with your lives. Yet if moving on to them includes moving away (with your children in tow), then you certainly may have objections to that. Many in your same position have come to see us here at the Stange Law Firm PC questioning if there is anything that they can do to prevent such a relocation from happening (or modify their custody agreements so that their time with their kids is not limited). If you share the same question, you will be happy to learn that there is.
Custody dispute extends into space
It may be no secret to most in Jackson County that child custody proceedings between divorcing or separated parents can become heated. The emotion that both parties to such proceedings feel towards their kids is no doubt strong (and is often equaled in the negative feelings they may feel towards the other parent). If and when one who is a party to a child custody dispute does something rash, it may be easy to dismiss such a person as having little self-discipline and control. Yet the emotions that can go into a child custody dispute (both good and bad) can often prompt otherwise calm, rational people to act in ways that they normally would not.
Are there different types of custody & visitation?
Determining child custody can be difficult for recently divorced parents. This is especially true when considering the many different types of custody arrangements that are available. When parents are at odds about custody and visitation, the focus must be put on the children at the center of the dispute. In fact, courts make all decisions based on the best interests of the children in question, to ensure they have a loving and healthy relationship with each parent. Very Well Family explains your options when it comes to child custody decisions.
How should I develop a summer co-parenting plan?
If you and your children's other parent have gotten divorced since last summer, you will now be facing a very different type of summer schedule planning than what you have been used to in the past. Many other Missouri parents are in the same situation as yourself and hopefully you can learn a bit about how to navigate this situation from their experiences.
Sleep problems during a custody dispute
In a recent blog post, we discussed how family law issues can be problematic with regard to blood pressure. There are other ways in which family law matters, especially custody disputes, can have an adverse impact on one's health. For example, if you are in the middle of a difficult custody dispute, you may have difficulty sleeping at night. Whether you are losing sleep due to court-related stressors or you are worried about how your child's future will be affected by the outcome of the dispute, this can be a very troubling time, and sleep problems can make things worse.
Handling spring break with your ex
Missouri parents who are divorced or who may have never been married to their children's other parent know that co-parenting is a continual process that requires ongoing effort and cooperation. Spring break is just one more time of the year when extra flexibility may have to be exercised in order to make things work for parents and kids alike.
Is joint custody the best option for your kids?
As a parent contemplating a Missouri divorce, one of your biggest concerns likely is how your children will react to your divorce and how the day-to-day loss of both of their parents will affect them. If you have not yet considered joint custody, you may well wish to do so.
What are some custody battle hurdles you may face?
In Missouri, couples just like you struggle to deal with child custody matters during the process of their divorce. Emotions can run wild, tensions can be high, and it can be difficult to get through without a little extra help. Stange Law Firm, PC, is here to give you that boost you need to clear the difficult hurdles of a custody battle.
