Father's rights with respect to custody and visitation with the children are equal to mother's. There is no presumption in favor of the mother, and custody may be awarded to the father just as it can be awarded to the mother. The only question for the court to consider in deciding who has custody, and what the visitation schedule is, is what's in the best interest of the child. Although there is no magic bullet, and often times the court is faced with two perfectly able parents who both want custody, there are things that can be done to increase the father's chances of getting custody, or of at least an equal or nearly equal visitation schedule. Establish and Follow a Schedule: Often immediately after separation, and for a significant period of time thereafter, there is no court order as to visitation. Establish a fair schedule, and go by it. If it is supposed to be your day, be sure to pick the child up when you are supposed to, and bring the child back according to your agreement. The court will often continue an established schedule unless there is evidence that it is harmful to the child. Pay Child Support: You must show that you are willing to support the child. It is not enough to give money now and then, or to say that you buy things for the child on occasion. You must pay according to the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. You will have a difficult time trying to convince the court that you should have custody, or shared custody, if you have not lived up to your obligation to support the child. Be Involved in the Child's Life: Go to PTA meetings, concerts, ball games, and other such school activities. Take the child to and from extracurricular activities. Go to dance recitals, soccer games, whatever it might be. Do homework with the child, and be in touch with what the child is doing in school. Take the child to the doctor and dentist. Know the names of all teachers, doctors and dentists. A Word to Mother: The child or children belong to the father, too, and he should be involved in the child's life as much as you are. They are also his responsibility. Make him bear the duties of raising the children, and allow him to be an integral part of their lives during this very difficult time. |
Click Here to request a free telephone consultation |