Not all divorce attorneys are created equal, and if you are a man, you need to understand the importance of hiring an attorney that understands all of the latest legal developments regarding a father’s rights when he is going through a divorce. In the past, it seemed as if fathers had no rights at all, but today, family court judges are beginning to give more consideration to a father. It is imperative that you hire a lawyer that is working on the cutting edge of these changes. The following are three reasons this will help you with your divorce.
Issues of child custody
Family courts are now granting joint custody to divorced couples, but this is still not the norm, so if you are a father, you will need a lawyer with the experience to present your case for joint custody in the best light. In lieu of joint custody, your visitation rights can be maximized to give you the most time to be a father to your children. In addition, if your ex-wife becomes the custodial parent, an attorney can help keep her from relocating to a place that will limit your visitation.
Issues of child support
There are many issues related to child support, some of them non-monetary, but naturally, the amount that will be paid each month is of greatest concern. In most states, there are standard formulas that are used to determine this amount. However, what qualifies as income for these formulas can be disputed, and if a wife earns money as well as a father, the situation becomes more complex. A lawyer with experience representing fathers can help the most with paying a fair and just amount to your ex-wife.
Issues of parenting
Most men may not have a great amount of love for their soon to be ex-wife, but their children are a much different story. A father wants to continue to be a parent to his children after a divorce, and this includes being a part of many important decisions in his child’s life. Things such as where a child should go to school or where they should live, even if your ex-wife gets custody, are issues that a divorce attorney can help with.
It is common for attorneys to not claim they only represent men, because there are often laws against this, but there are attorneys who specialize in representing men in a divorce, and they are the ones that will likely help you the most. One example of this type of law firm is Cordell & Cordell.