The Best Ways to Get Custody as a Father in Orange County, California
What are the best ways to get custody as a father in Orange County CA: Historically, it has been thought that when parents get a divorce, the mother is more likely to get custody of the children, own the family home, and to receive spousal support. The father is generally stuck with child support, spousal support, and only sees the kids according to a visitation schedule. However, as the feminist movement grows, so does the likelihood that these historical views are turned upside down.
It is not legal for a judge to favor either parent over the other due to sex or gender, especially when it comes to child support and child custody. All decisions regarding children should be made in the best interest of the child. If, as a father, you are worried that your child’s mother may be favored due to historical stereotypes and gender roles, there are some actions you can take to ensure that both your child’s rights and your rights as a father are protected.
Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Southern California
When it comes to legal matters, the best way to ensure that you are taking all of the necessary legal steps is to hire a highly skilled attorney who has experience in the area of law you need.
When it comes to fathers and child custody cases, find a lawyer who is experienced in father’s rights, court orders, and custody cases. While the internet can be a great resource, a family law attorney will always be able to provide the most relevant and up-to-date legal advice, because he or she will have the opportunity to get to know you, your case, your family, and your needs and goals.
During your Child Custody Case
Depending on your current situation, your attorney may provide you with varying advice. Custody orders can be created in several situations:
• During a divorce
• During a legal separation
• During a domestic violence restraining order case
• When a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children case is opened
• In a case initiated by a local child support agency
• During a paternity or parentage case.
If you are starting one of these cases, or are in the middle of one, as a parent, you have the right to ask the court to create a child custody order.
There are also several ways to determine the terms of the child custody order, depending on whether you and the child’s other parent can agree on the terms, you agree to work them out together, or you want to go through litigation.
In some cases, the child’s other parent may obtain a temporary restraining order that includes child custody terms, or a temporary child custody order. If this is the case, always follow the terms of the court order. It could severely damage the future of your case if you choose to disobey the terms of a court order. Remember that even if the other parent is not following the terms of a court order, it is always in your best interest to follow the terms anyways. Keep a record of the other parent’s violations.
What a Father Can Do Outside of Court during a Child Custody Case
When it comes to child custody matters, there are certain steps a father can take to ensure he is following the courts guidelines to ensure the child's best interest
- Following the terms of any existing orders can go a long way in helping your case. The court believes that in most cases, it is in the best interest of the child to spend time with both parents. If either parent tries to keep the child away from the other parent, it will hurt his or her custody case. Remember that custody is determined based on the best interest of the child, and if either parent cannot put the child’s best interests first, he or she will risk losing custody.
- If you do have custody of the child and the other parent is challenging custody, continue to encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent.
- If you do not have custody of the child, take advantage of every opportunity that you have to spend time with him or her and maintain your relationship with your child. Show that you can be on time, dependable, and that you value time spent with the child.
- Keep records of the time the child spent with you, and with the other parent. Know what the child does, when he or she has appointments, and with whom the child spends his or her time. Try to avoid having a friend or significant other pick up or drop off the child.
- Prioritize the safety of your children. This means that when your child has other activities, know the driving history of anyone who may be driving your child. Be careful to watch for signs of abuse. Consider babysitters carefully. Do not leave room for the child’s other parent to suspect you of abuse, which includes placing your child in a situation where he or she may be abused.
- Be a part of your child’s life. Know his or her friends, their parents, the child’s doctors, teachers, coaches, supervisors, etc. These people should know that you play an active role in the child’s life.
- Avoid taking recreational drugs, keeping them in your home, or spending time with people who use drugs recreationally, or abuse drugs or alcohol.
- Maintain your relationship with your child. Make yourself available by phone whenever possible, and establish yourself as a reliable and dependable parent.
- Be aware of age appropriate activities and situations. If you own firearms or alcohol, do not permit the children to be around them. These items should be locked in a safe or kept at a separate location. Keep activities age appropriate as well; a child should not be watching a PG-13 movie at age seven.
Contact a Child Custody Lawyer in the OC
As a father, your sex or gender should never be taken into consideration during your child custody case. One of the best ways to protect your rights and the best interests of your child is to contact a child custody lawyer in Orange County. At Yanez & Associates, we have experience in family law from divorce and paternity cases to child custody and child support. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
