Fathers Rights Lawyer Arlington Virginia
As an Arlington Virginia fathers rights lawyer can explain, in the past, if the parents did not agree upon shared custody, the court usually granted primary custody to the mother, as it was deemed that she would have more time to provide for the child and would provide better care. While the judge would give sole custody to the mother, the father would be given visitation hours and would be required to pay child support.
The reasoning behind this aging dogma was that the father would be better suited to providing financial assistance through his job, while the mother better suited to homemaking and caring for children. As women gain rights in the workplace, this practice is becoming more and more outdated in most states, including Virginia. If the parents cannot reach an agreement on custody rights, the court will make the decision based on what is best for the child.
These factors include:
- The health of the child
- The emotional ties between the parents and the child
- The ability of the parents to care for the child
- Any history of family violence or substance abuse
- The child’s ties to school, home, and his or her community
There is no law that states the mother will be given priority if all other factors are equal. However, if you feel that you are not being given an equal chance for custodial rights, it may be time to contact an experienced Arlington Virginia fathers rights lawyer to argue your case for fair and equal representation. Additionally, the court is not legally allowed to deny your custody or even visitation rights based on the following factors:
- The fact that you were never married to the other parent
- A physical disability
- Lifestyle choices
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
Unfortunately, the court does not always make a fair decision. While the decision should be made on the care that is given to the child, a judge may discriminate against those with disabilities, believing that the care will be inferior to the other parent without the disability. Just like the old dogma used to be that mothers would always be the better caregiver, now people with disabilities and differing lifestyles may find themselves in the same situation as fathers once did. This may include people with disabilities such as being confined to a wheelchair or mental disorders such as bipolar. Discrimination still happens. This is why you should always have a skilled child custody lawyer Arlington VA families trust advocating for you.
Let an Arlington Virginia Fathers Rights Lawyer
If you are a father who is fighting for your parental rights in a custody fight, you need a fathers rights lawyer Arlington Virginia clients recommend. Contact May Law LLP to find out how our legal team can help. We can schedule a free and confidential consultation, evaluate your situation, and discuss what your best legal options are.