Only one in every six custodial parents is a father.
Dad’s have not always enjoyed equal footing in divorce actions. Historically, the court favored naming a sole custodian of the children – typically Mom. The non-custodial parent – typically Dad – was awarded visitation.
Several factors contributed to the historic inequality for dads in divorce. One contributing factor is the traditional role Dads have played as bread winner for the family. Working outside of the home created an automatic disadvantage for Dads. Keeping in mind the court’s historic desire to name a sole custodian of children in divorce, Dad’s job was a barrier to an award of custody. Additionally, antiquated and abrogated legal presumptions of the court, like the “tender years” presumption – young children are better cared for by their mother – compounded Dad’s disadvantage.
Today, statutes and opinions of the court make crystal clear that Moms and Dads are to be viewed equally by the court. However, a quick review of our latest census data proves that Dads have a lot of ground to cover to catch up to Moms. Issues most frequently encountered by Dads in divorce are child custody and financial support.
We understand the issues that affect Men's lives in divorce.
We begin planning a winning strategy for your case at our first meeting. Sometimes that means getting you into a hearing or trial as quickly as possible, and sometimes that means negotiating an out-of-court settlement agreement. Your family and your facts are unique from every other case. But, the laws and rules are the same. That makes the presentation of your case to the court critical.
Our attorneys don’t like to lose. This means a couple of things. First, it means that when we take up a fight, we intend to finish it and win. Second, it means that we will advise and encourage you to think strategically about your case with us. We want to understand your goals. We then want to map a path to achieving them. That path is almost never a straight line. We know when to zig and when to zag.
We know exactly what is at stake in child custody and parenting disputes. Fathers must be treated as more than just breadwinners. Children need both parents.