Vital Strategies for Winning Fathers' Rights for Full Custody

These days, many fathers are going to court to try and win full physical custody of their children. Although custody is no longer definitively granted to the mother as it was years ago, it is more difficult for a father to win custody unless there is a significant issue with the mother's ability to parent. If there is not, as a father, you need to present a very good case as to why you should have full custody.

Some of the things the court looks at to determine custody are:

• Who has been the most active in parenting the child
• Who can spend the most time with the child
• Who can best provide a stable home for the child
• Who can best meet the child's physical and emotional needs
• Whom the child wants to live with

If you want to win child custody, you need to show that it is in your child's best interest to live with you, and you need to show that you are a capable, responsible, and mature parent. There are several things you can do to accomplish this.

The first and most important thing is to be prepared to present your case with documented proof. What this means is you want to show the court that you are taking care of all your child's needs and spending quality time with your child. Take pictures of activities you do with your child, and find witnesses that can attest to your parenting skills and the nurturing relationship you have with your child.

Another thing to do is to be actively involved in your child's life. Bring your child to doctors or dentists appointments. If they are in school, make sure you attend any school meetings that pertain to your child. Always keep scheduled visits with your child and call your child on a regular basis.

Always be conscious of how you act in court and when you are around your child. Custody hearings can bring out the worst in parents. You need to be able to maintain your composure in court, no matter how difficult it may be.

Also, you always need to be aware of what you say about the mother of your child, and how you act towards her when you are around your child. Keep from making any negative comments to her, or arguing with her around your child.

Though custody is a legal matter, it is more of a psychological matter, and the strategies you use to win your case are very important. They may even be crucial to you winning your case.

Although it is not impossible to gain full custody as a father, it is difficult. Presenting yourself as an active mature parent, deeply involved in your child's life, with your main concern being the child's best interest, and being able to provide good evidence to all of the above, is the way to win your case. Most important, be prepared with evidence and documentation to support your case.