Mothers seem to hold a lot of power when it comes to child custody matters. For fathers who are looking to play a role in their children’s lives, this fact can be disheartening. But don’t let it dissuade you from pursuing a child custody and visitation arrangement that is best for you and your child. The law should recognize you and your child’s mother as being on equal footing, meaning that you have just as much of a right to parent and have contact with your child as your child’s mother does. And that’s important, especially given the positive impact that a father can have on a child.
The importance of a father
“The father effect,” as some people call it, can have a profound impact on your child. Dads who are present and active in their children’s lives can see the following effects in their children:
- Avoidance of high-risk behaviors
- Higher IQ scores
- Fewer psychological problems
- Ability to develop healthy relationships
There may be a whole host of other effects, too, such as increased risk of delinquency and even improved school performance. It’s also important to recognize that the absence of a father from his child’s life can negatively impact these characteristics, which can cause significant harm to a child. You shouldn’t let your child’s mother cause that to happen by preventing you from playing a meaningful role in your child’s life.
Take the legal steps needed to become a part of your child’s life
Depending on the facts of your case, there might be a lot of legal legwork to put in before you can have a strong legal relationship with your child. You might have to establish paternity, petition to modify custody, or even file a motion to try to have your child’s other parent held in contempt for violating an existing custody order.
We know that these matters can be charged with emotions, which can make it even more challenging for you to jump through these legal hoops. That’s why dedicated legal professionals who believe in the power of good fathers stand ready to fight for the men who are ready to fight for their children.
