Men and fathers face some particularly challenging obstacles when they divorce. Historically, the family legal system has often favored women and mothers in the traditional roles of homemaker and dependent.
However, things have changed. Today, according to findings from the Pew Research Center, men are more likely to be stay-at-home parents than they were 50 years ago, and more families are dual-income families. These and other statistics paint a very different picture of families, but because of a few important reasons, men and fathers can still face significant obstacles during a legal battle.
Outdated beliefs
Despite research that shows men are more engaged parents than they were 50 years ago, fathers can still be up against a judge or professionals who believe that mothers are better caregivers than fathers are.
This can make it a struggle to secure a fair custody arrangement in court. To protect yourself and your rights as a father, you would be wise to work with an attorney to address custody in mediation. If this issue cannot be resolved, then fathers should be prepared to make a case for custody in court.
False accusations
Fathers can be on the receiving end of false accusations during a contentious divorce. An ex might claim her husband assaulted her or the children, for example. A man could also be accused of being violent, bad-tempered or cold if he gets upset during a custody battle, even though these situations often bring out painful reactions in every person.
Millennial trends
Today, it is not uncommon for young couples to move in together and even start a family together without getting married. In these situations, it is crucial for men to take legal action to protect themselves, as failing to do so could leave them exposed to painful and costly consequences.
For example, unmarried fathers would be wise to take a paternity test; men in committed relationships might consider exploring their property ownership rights and responsibilities, when and if a couple purchases a home.
These are just a few examples of the challenge men and fathers can face during a divorce or any family legal matter. Instead of bracing yourself and just hoping for the best, you would be wise to consult an attorney to get the help and guidance you need to protect yourself and your rights during a divorce.
