Society and the courts have leaned so far toward the mother, that fathers have hardly had a chance.
Our constitution guarantees equal rights for all.
But recent decades have also gathered women into the workforce and rat race to pay the bills of a more affluent life style.
This has harmed their ability to provide the dedication children require.
I believe it's true that over half the nation's kids go home after school to an empty home, because mum is at work! Even so, mothers continue to win an inordinate share of custody rights.
Fathers! Child custody is your dream, but are you prepared? The tactics employed by some clever attorneys can rip a father to pieces.
Is your attorney up to the task? Fathers, rights, child custody is a very complex triangle.
The children should be the very first concern, but, sadly, they are all too often just manipulated as pawns in the game.
In the early days of separation, mothers tend to have a greater share of the child and may use that time to turn the children against their father.
Custody rights for fathers should be just as valid as it is for mothers.
If you, father, sincerely feel your child would be better cared for in your custody, then you should assert those rights.
"Better cared for" does not mean "better off".
Too many fathers spend dollars to buy care, but don't care for the children with their presence and unconditional love.
You can't buy love, and your kids need love more than anything else.
We need to kill a myth here.
Quantity time and quality time are very different.
Quality time without quantity is a cop-out.
Real love requires presence and commitment to be there for the kids.
Kids are not dummies and know if fathers are dividing their attention from other worldly matters.
Child custody for fathers requires a commitment to quality and quantity! Child Support If you do not have custody, you may have to pay child support.
There can be crazy situations here, and surprises.
So, be thoroughly prepared and make sure your attorney has the experience to represent you, to adjust child support, negotiate fair visitation rights, and exert your rights to child custody.
Paternity Issues Men mired with paternity issues have often been denied the custody rights given to biological fathers.
It is all too easy to sow doubts about the child's genetic links, and even throw mud regarding previous off-spring.
On the other hand, this can back-fire, become very messy, and can be used to avoid paying support.
Property Distribution This can be a complicated and stressful experience.
Dividing up stuff really divides people! Have your documentation in good order beforehand, because doubts will count against you.
Have a clear cut case.
Prenuptial Agreements about Property You may have prepared a prenuptial agreement that details your possessions and assets prior to the marriage.
If so, it can help - but - it can be challenged.
Beware!  Domestic Violence Any accusation of violence can carry great weight and have serious consequences.
Usually it is the women who play with this fire and accuse the man.
It's so easy to cast doubts.
But, a woman beating a man is dismissed out-of-hand.
If you are accused, beware.
It's an uphill battle to obtain custody for a father who is accused of violence.
Girlfriends Temptation is a powerful drug.
Drugs, alcohol, and temptation will do you no good.
Resist and resist, then dismiss these ideas from your thoughts.
It is not worth it! If you want to have a chance of exerting your custody father's rights, then - keep your head on straight, don't look to the side, and keep your underwear on! Bottom Line - Be Well Prepared If you are well prepared, then it is possible to win against what may seem enormous odds.
The name of the game is to realize that it IS a game, and learn the game.
Clever tactics can tear you to shreds if you don't recognize them as such.
If you know what to do and how to react then you can enjoy custody.
Father's rights can be yours.
There is a resource with more information below.
Good luck.
You can win!