Mistakes Fathers Make during a Divorce
One of the biggest mistakes fathers make in a child custody dispute is to simply assume that the mother has full rights to the custody of the child.
California courts do not take into account the gender of the parent, but make a decision on child custody based on the child's best interests. A father may be just as eligible for custody, if he can prove to the court that he can provide a healthy environment for a child.
Often, fathers simply sign away their rights to the primary custody of their child to the mothers, either under a burden of guilt over the divorce, or because of a misunderstanding that the mother is entitled to the custody of the children. You can pursue custody of your child, even though the system does have some bias against fathers. If you believe that you have absolutely no right to the custody of your child, and have no chance of winning a custody battle, you may be wrong.
However, another mistake could be to pursue a child custody battle too far. If you have an attorney who advises you to pursue litigation at all costs, including the cost of your children’s happiness, then it may be time for you to seek another Los Angeles divorce lawyer. Over litigating is not just traumatic for your children, and for you, but it could also destroy your credibility in the eyes of the court. The court may not look too kindly on a father who insists on litigating every step of the way, even when it is clear that it is time to stop.
In many cases, such behavior by fathers is the result of a bruised ego. When it comes to child custody, it is important to keep your ego aside, and take decisions that protect your rights as a father, while making sure that your children are happy.