Fathers who have entered and left the family court know that gender equality is just not there. How often do fathers get 50 50 custody and share the custodian rights to his children with his ex-spouse? A better question to ask might be, in this not-so-fair world, how can you as a father to maximize your chance of getting a fair custody share to your children?
In 2022, a 47-year-old Ecuadoran father René Salinas Ramos legally changed his gender from male to female as an attempt to win his fierce custody battle. He was in the family court to fight for full custody of his two young daughters. “Being a father in this country, Ecuador, is punished, and I’m only seen as a provider,” according to Ramos’ statement: “The laws say that the one who has the right is the woman.”
He said: “As of this moment, I am female. Now I’m also a mom. That’s how I consider myself. I am very sure of my sexuality. What I have sought is to give the love and protection that a mother can give her children.”
Fathers getting 50 50 Custody: Statistics
As court documents are usually concealed, more research is needed to get a stats on how often fathers get 50/50 custody to his children. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as custody arrangements can vary significantly depending on the individual circumstances of each case. Some fathers may have equal or nearly equal custody of their children, while others may have less frequent visitation or no custody at all.
In general, courts should supposedly award custody based on the best interests of the child, and this can involve a variety of factors such as the child’s age, the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs, and the child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a preference). Ultimately, the specific custody arrangement that is ordered by the court will depend on the unique circumstances of each case.
Factors of getting a fair share of custody
As said, in general, courts try to award custody in a way that is in the best interests of the child. This means that the court will consider a variety of factors when determining an appropriate custody arrangement. Some of the factors that a court may consider when awarding custody include:
The child’s age: Younger children may need more frequent or consistent contact with both parents, as they may not be able to understand or cope with longer periods of separation.
The child’s relationship with each parent: The court will consider the child’s emotional bond with each parent, as well as the parent’s ability to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for the child.
The ability of each parent to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs: This can include factors such as the parent’s financial resources, living situation, and overall stability.
The child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a preference): In some cases, the court may consider the child’s wishes when determining custody. However, the child’s preference is generally not the only factor that the court will consider.
Any history of domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, the court may be more inclined to award custody to the non-abusive parent.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the many factors that a court may consider when determining an appropriate custody arrangement. The specific custody arrangement that is ordered by the court will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. You may also read on other articles about how fathers might go around the court to increase his chance to get a 50/50 custody share.