Researchers say fathers’ post-divorce parenting time important

On Behalf of | Jul 4, 2019 | Child Custody, Firm News |

A major concern for couples who divorce in New York is how they will address child custody. Years ago, mothers were readily given primary custody of the children, and fathers were not prioritized when it came to parenting time — the amount of time they spent with their children. However, that family law has changed over the years to recognize the vital importance of fathers regarding child custody.

Researchers say that the opportunity for fathers to play a central role in their children’s lives following divorce is critical for their children’s well-being. Specifically, experts say that children’s lives are usually better if they are given the opportunity to stay overnight with their fathers regularly. This is because when children feel connected with their fathers, this helps them to feel more self-confident, perform better on their school work and avoid developing negative behaviors.

In addition, according to researchers, fathers might actually improve in their roles after getting divorced. The reason for this is that some fathers leave many of the parenting duties to the children’s mother when they are married. However, when they get divorced, they are more likely to step up to complete these duties and become more connected with their children on an emotional level.

The best scenario for parents who are getting divorced is to discuss how they will handle parenting time at the negotiation table or through mediation, rather than going to trial. This is because creating a parenting agreement outside of court is usually less stressful for the entire family when compared with traditional divorce litigation. An attorney in New York can provide the guidance needed to navigate child custody proceedings, making sure that the client’s rights are protected and that the children’s best interests are at the forefront.

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