An active dad is one that goes way beyond changing diapers. You attend to the emotional needs of your children and you are generally involved in caretaking, whether it’s homework, tantrums, or potty training. You’re involved in your child’s life in a real, meaningful way.
What happens when you face a nasty, contentious custody battle with your ex-wife?
For fathers, a child custody case can be difficult to win even though the Colorado courts do not discriminate and do not favor one parent over the other. Whether you are a father fighting for full custody or joint custody, it is important to be prepared for an uphill battle, especially if the child’s mother is also filing for custody.
Here are some tips to help you win the battle:
Find an Attorney Who Gets It
Many of the child custody cases favor a mother’s custody wishes, but this time around, it’s changing. You need an attorney who will understand why you want more access time, someone who will understand your reasons and help you present your best case.
So how do you find a lawyer who gets it? Shop around. Miller & Steier, P.C. recommends setting up consultations with lawyers to see what their approach would be. Ask about other cases involving fathers, and see how they helped achieve their client’s goals.
Attend the Important Events
Boost your chances of custody by making it a point to attend events that matter—those that involve the child’s educational, social, and religious goals. Whether it is a baptism, a birthday party, a school play, a recital, or a sports event, see to it that you are there. Being there to provide support to your child and attending these significant events serve as proof that you maintain a meaningful relationship with your kid.
Always Put the Best Interest of Your Child First
The Colorado court always puts the child’s best interests above all. This “best interest” standard consists of various factors the judge needs to consider to know which of the two parents is more likely to help the child to thrive. Is the mother addicted to drugs or alcohol? Is she a workaholic? Is there a different man in the house every night? Prepare to explain in court why it may not be in your child’s best interest to share custody with their mother.
Show that you are equally important as a parent. Be the parent the court and your child wants you to be—reasonable, responsible, and affectionate.