Preparing For Divorce: 5 Things Dads Needs To Know
It doesn't matter how you approach the situation - divorce is stressful. If there are children involved, the process becomes even more complex and emotionally charged. Fathers who have been closely involved in their children's lives and strongly desire to obtain sole (or at least joint) custody of their children may face particularly unique challenges. This week, the attorneys at Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to equip fathers with some important information they need to know about preparing for a custody battle.
1. Be Clear About Your Goals From The Very Beginning
At the very start of your custody case, identify your ideal outcome and make it known. If you want sole legal custody, say so. If you want joint physical custody with significant visitation rights, say so. You and your divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks need to be able to work together towards a common goal. Being honest with yourself about your desired outcome (and all of the associated responsibilities that will come with it) from the start will greatly simplify the process.
2. The Idea That Women Receive Preferential Custody Treatment Is Outdated
Many people believe that women receive preferential treatment in custody cases. There used to be more truth to this, when men were the primary breadwinners and mothers primarily stayed home with the children. As women begin working longer hours and men compromise by taking on more of the parenting responsibilities, fathers deserve (and should expect) equal treatment in a custody case.
3. You Should Use Caution When Addressing Child Support
Members of the Court are human beings just like everyone else. They are subject to opinions and prejudices. Because some people still do not expect fathers to want to spend significant time with their children, they may assume that the only reason you want to more custody is so that you will have to pay less child support. In order to strengthen your case, you will better off leaving child support discussions off the table until the appropriate time.
4. Show That You Are Willing To Compromise
Your ex is a person, too, with her own set of goals, concerns, dreams, and fears. She is probably just as concerned about the custody agreements as you are. Rather than setting yourselves up for what will always be a combative, toxic relationship, extend the olive branch and show that you are willing to compromise. By being concerned for your children's and your ex's well-being, you demonstrate that you are a caring individual who will be fully capable of parenting your children. It will also serve to make interactions with your ex easier down the road.
5. Choose An Attorney Who Understands Your Position
Unfortunately, there are many attorneys who still subscribe to the "old-fashioned" beliefs that women should be the primary caregivers. If you choose an attorney who does not understand your desire to be closely involved in your children's lives going forward, you will be setting both of you up for frustration. Instead, we urge you to contact one of our family attorneys in Camden County MO will completely understand and support your desire to remain close with your children. Contact our law office in Camdenton MO at 573-346-7231 to schedule your initial consultation today!
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
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1. Be Clear About Your Goals From The Very Beginning
At the very start of your custody case, identify your ideal outcome and make it known. If you want sole legal custody, say so. If you want joint physical custody with significant visitation rights, say so. You and your divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks need to be able to work together towards a common goal. Being honest with yourself about your desired outcome (and all of the associated responsibilities that will come with it) from the start will greatly simplify the process.
2. The Idea That Women Receive Preferential Custody Treatment Is Outdated
Many people believe that women receive preferential treatment in custody cases. There used to be more truth to this, when men were the primary breadwinners and mothers primarily stayed home with the children. As women begin working longer hours and men compromise by taking on more of the parenting responsibilities, fathers deserve (and should expect) equal treatment in a custody case.
Members of the Court are human beings just like everyone else. They are subject to opinions and prejudices. Because some people still do not expect fathers to want to spend significant time with their children, they may assume that the only reason you want to more custody is so that you will have to pay less child support. In order to strengthen your case, you will better off leaving child support discussions off the table until the appropriate time.
4. Show That You Are Willing To Compromise
Your ex is a person, too, with her own set of goals, concerns, dreams, and fears. She is probably just as concerned about the custody agreements as you are. Rather than setting yourselves up for what will always be a combative, toxic relationship, extend the olive branch and show that you are willing to compromise. By being concerned for your children's and your ex's well-being, you demonstrate that you are a caring individual who will be fully capable of parenting your children. It will also serve to make interactions with your ex easier down the road.
5. Choose An Attorney Who Understands Your Position
Unfortunately, there are many attorneys who still subscribe to the "old-fashioned" beliefs that women should be the primary caregivers. If you choose an attorney who does not understand your desire to be closely involved in your children's lives going forward, you will be setting both of you up for frustration. Instead, we urge you to contact one of our family attorneys in Camden County MO will completely understand and support your desire to remain close with your children. Contact our law office in Camdenton MO at 573-346-7231 to schedule your initial consultation today!
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
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85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
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