As unmarried parents seek a custody arrangement, fathers in particular often worry that they might face an uphill battle to obtain time with their child. It is a persistent myth that the law or family courts favor mothers when determining child custody matters. But is there any truth to this myth?
Short answer: No
It is not true. The North Carolina Judicial Branch confirms this, stating that no parent is favored over the other, regardless of their gender.
Both parents have the same rights to custody and time with their child. Of course, it is critical to consider certain aspects of the parents’ lives while determining custody that could impact their case, such as a history of alcohol or substance abuse, or any factor that would make a parent unfit.
Parents must keep in mind that it is the child’s best interests that have the most influence over the child custody arrangement.
Remember: North Carolina requires mediation
If parents face any disagreements or contested matters in child custody, North Carolina law requires parents to go through mediation before taking matters to court. This encourages parents to resolve issues privately – and resolve their personal family matters personally.
It is critical to remember this, since mediation provides you with more control over the legal process of negotiating custody. Therefore, fathers can alleviate their worries stemming from this common myth as they:
- Advocate for their parental rights
- Prioritize their child’s best interests
Whether you face contested custody matters or a civil negotiation of parenting time, it is critical to remember that fathers and mothers alike have the same parental rights.