More Fathers are Being Awarded Primary Child Custody

An interesting trend is emerging in family law courts across the country: more and more men are being awarded primary custody of their children.

In the past, women were awarded primary custody without blinking an eye. It was just commonly accepted in society that women stayed home and raised children while the men went to work. But as the social dynamics began to change in America, the courts needed to re-evaluate how they were awarding custody. With more and more women heading into the work force, it leveled the playing field as to which parent deserved primary custody during a divorce. With both parents working full-time jobs, who deserves to be awarded custody?

That was question many judges were faced with. Today, men's custody rights are treated with as much respect as women's rights to custody. In fact, some studies are now suggesting that as many as 50% of men who request primary custody receive it.

The reason for the increase? There are fewer stay-at-home moms and more stay-at-home dads. Over half of all American women work at least part-time jobs, compared to just 30% in the 1970s. On the flip side, more and more men are staying home with the children. This trend has been tremendously impacted by the economy. One study estimates that 75% of the Americans who have lost their jobs since the recession began are men. In the wake of their unemployment, these men have settled into their new roles as stay-at-home dads while their wives go to work. During a divorce, these men can truthfully argue that they spend more time with the children than the woman does.

Judges' overall willingness to see that men are just as capable of caring for children as women are should not be discounted. The surge in men receiving primary custody rights can also be credited, in large part, to those judge who recognize and enforce a man's custody rights.

At Claery & Green, we have helped many men throughout San Diego exercise their rights to child custody. If you are going through a divorce or separation, and are interested in seeking primary custody rights, it's advised that you let us handle your case. We have a great deal of experience advocating fathers' rights, and know the best way to approach these types of child custody cases. We are prepared to work hard to help you secure a custody settlement that upholds your rights and protects your relationship with your children.

To consult an experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney at Claery & Green about your child custody case, please call(310) 362-2273. We are on your side!