3 Things For Fathers To Avoid When Seeking Joint Custody

Child custody is typically a very contentious point during a divorce, and it is not uncommon for divorcing spouses to engage in a veiled custody battle. Many men may feel discouraged during this time, as it is traditionally believed that the courts usually side with the mother when it comes to custody. However, this thought is no longer true -- the courts in most states feel that it is in the best interest of the children to have both parents in their life. If you are a man going through a divorce, avoid the following mistakes when seeking joint custody of your children:

Not Paying Child Support

If you and your wife are separated and living in separate households, you may be ordered to pay child support to help care for your children while your divorce goes through the court system. If you want joint custody, it is imperative that you pay the amount that has been ordered and never miss a payment. Any anger that you have towards your soon-to-be ex-wife should not be taken out on your children, and failure to make a payment can make you look bad in court. In fact, most states will require you to support your children in some way until they reach the age of majority (usually 18 to 21). If you believe that the child support sum is unreasonable or that your visitation rights have been trampled upon, you may want to talk with a place like Affordable Legal Centers LLC.

Talking Bad About Your Wife

If you and your wife are getting a divorce, there are obviously problems between the two of you. But it is important to not let an animosity you feel towards your wife trickle down to the time you spend with your children. Most courts do not look well upon parents who talk badly about the other parent to the children. It may be difficult, but keep all negative feelings about your soon to be ex-wife private, and never talk badly about your children's mother in their presence.

Moving In with a Significant Other

When a marriage completely breaks down, and divorce has been filed, it is not uncommon for people to explore dating or engaging in serious romantic relationships. This is within your right, but if you want to gain joint custody of your children, it is best to avoid co-habitation with a new girlfriend while your divorce is going through the court system. Not only can it be confusing and upsetting for your children to see you with a new girlfriend who is not their mother, it can also be viewed badly by the courts and may hurt your chances of joint custody of your children. It is in he best interest for you and your kids to hold off on new serious relationships until after the divorce is finalized.