Historically, mothers were the primary caregivers in traditional American families. Because of this, courts of decades past often awarded child custody to mothers, especially if the children were young. These days, however, the parent’s gender is not a factor that a judge will use to determine custody. State laws in Colorado require decisions about child custody to entirely be based on what is best for the children.
Fathers can get primary custody
Judges cannot award child custody based solely on a parent’s gender, so fathers who want to ask the court for primary custody should never let gender stereotypes affect them. In some cases, the father may be in a better position to care for the kids. For example, in a scenario where both parents work full-time and the kids require after-school care, the father may have an advantage if he has more flexible work hours. If a father can present himself as the parent who will serve the best interests of the children, he has every right to seek custody.
Agreeing on custody
In most cases, parents who are separating or divorcing typically come to an agreement regarding custody arrangements instead of having the courts decide for them. Usually, judges will approve the agreed-upon arrangement unless the arrangement is clearly not in the best interests of the children. Parents in Colorado who have questions or need help with any aspect of child custody can and should meet with a knowledgeable legal professional. An experienced family law attorney can provide guidance and help the client pursue an arrangement that can benefit all parties involved.