If you’re a father, one of the things you may worry about is if you will get a fair share of time with your child following a divorce. In the past, there were laws that helped women get more time with their children, but that isn’t the case today.
In fact, the tide has changed completely, and 20 states have gone as far as to consider laws that would promote shared custody.
It’s often good for children to be in a situation where their parents collaboratively raise them. For instance, instead of seeing mom or dad only on the weekends, both parents work with each other to have as close to equal time with their children as possible. They communicate about their children’s needs and raise them much like they would have if they were still married.
The different states are considering making a law to encourage co-parenting, even if the parents don’t get along. In Kentucky, temporary orders now have a joint physical custody standard. Both parents are supposed to get equal parenting time. Florida’s legislature also passed a bill that asked courts to presume equal time for custody plans, but the governor vetoed it.
Regardless of the situation you’re in, there have been fathers left feeling that they were alienated from their children. They feel that they’re paying too much in child support without the connection to their children that they want. If you find yourself feeling that way or just aren’t sure what’s going to happen, your attorney could help clarify your situation and provide the support you need.
Source: The Washington Post, “More than 20 states in 2017 considered laws to promote shared custody of children after divorce,” Michael Alison Chandler, Dec. 11, 2017