There are many factors that likely led to what is being called the fathers’ rights movement. Some believe that as women are achieving more equality in the workplace, so too do men deserve more equality in the household. Others point to studies that showcase the importance of a father in a child’s upbringing. Whatever the reason, it is an undeniable fact that there is a growing interest across the country in fathers battling against what they perceive as unjust or biased court decisions in custody cases.
The numbers do not lie: from 1989 to 2012, the number of fathers who considered themselves a stay-at-home dad nearly doubled. The percentage of those who claimed to be at home to care for their families was more than four times higher in 2012 than in 1989. These changes are reflected in court rulings as well, with a study of Wisconsin court records finding that the total instances of mothers receiving sole custody in 2008 was almost half of the 1986 numbers. Conversely, instances of shared custody jumped up from 5 percent in 1986 to 27 percent in 2008.
Here at the law offices of Lisa A. Vance, we believe firmly in the importance of a father in the life of a child. We fight to make sure that Texas fathers receive a fair custody arrangement that is beneficial to both them and their child. We aggressively pursue fathers’ rights in the courtroom, but we are family law attorneys, and we are interested in family issues.
If you are a parent going through a divorce or seeking legal assistance with child custody matters, do not hesitate to seek the assistance of an attorney to help you with your case. Whether you are a father or a mother, an attorney familiar with the law in your area can help you make the best case for your parental rights and make sure that the custody arrangement is fair to all parties.