I'm a father who wants joint custody. How do I go about it?

Question

Can it be done? I have two small girls.

Answer 1

It really depends on the state, and what kind of joint custody you are looking for, I have joint legal, but am the primary residential parent, which means my son is with me more than 6 months out of the year, I have 4 days, his father has 3, more like 2.5.

Just remember joint custody involves getting along with your ex, and being able to be really civil around the children, you and your ex have to make decisions regarding education, childcare, medical etc...

And believe me its not easy. Its pretty common these days for the courts to automatically award joint even if the ex is fighting it. Make sure that you have a clean home, a bedroom for just the girls, and that it is childproof especially if they are still babies and toddlers. they need to have their sleeping space, and all the things children need. It is very common for the courts to send someone out to your home and see where the kids will be living especially if they are young.

You need be an involved parent, take an active interest in their lives, appts, school meetings etc... make sure you are using your visitation to spend with your children, not getting sitters or shipping them off to your parents alot. Keep track of everything, I mean everything, ex's can be nasty and the best way to get what you want is to document, the days the kids are with you the times you pick them up and drop them off, if your ex refuses, write it down, arm yourself, and honestly get a lawyer, thats how my ex got the deal he got, because I couldnt afford one at the time.

Remember even with joint custody you will have to pay support, unless by chance they give you 50/50 which is rare unless both parties are agreeable to it.

Most of all, dont let your kids hear you argue with your ex, Ive made this mistake a few times, and its amazing how it affects even a young child, and I try not to do that, plus kids repeat things, alot..

Good luck, if you have been an involved dad it shouldnt be an issue.

Answer 2

It definitely can be done. I agree that you should talk to a lawyer or at least look up the law in your state. Look up custody laws in whatever state you are in on Google.

I have two ex husbands and with both of them we have shared custody. One of them the time is shared 50/50. I personally think that kids need both of their parents in their lives... as long as you are not or have not been in trouble for abuse or drugs or anything like that, you should be able to have joint custody. Most courts agree that kids need both parents. If both of you can agree on a visitation schedule, then that is all you will need.

Good luck. I hope your girls get to have an involved daddy.

Answer 3

Well, I think an attorney in your area can better answer that question than we can..... but usually courts are leaning more towards joint custody so the children have equal access to both parents. This is as close as they can get to an intact family environment.

Answer 4

Boo,
Go to your local court house and talk to the judge and tell him/her your situation and that you would like joint custody of your kids.

Answer 5

Forget about it. Know it depends on what state your in.what county. and of course the judges final desion.Hint unless the mother is horrible. Try working this out with her,it saves alot of drama for the children,back and forth from house to house.

Answer 6

Go to the local courthouse and talk to the family court paralegal. they should be able to tell you EXACTLY WHAT TO DO.

Answer 7

well ur kids will be happy. work at their school and keep an eye on them. u wont hav to ask "What happened at school today"