If you have recently separated from the other parent of your child, you will likely want to gain some form of custody of your child. However, you may feel that the other parent has the upper hand and that the odds are stacked against you when it comes to gaining custody.
Every situation is different, but child custody courts seek to gain an outcome that is in the best interests of the child in question. Therefore, if you can show that your presence in your child’s life will be a force for good rather than a negative influence, it’s likely that you will be able to gain joint custody. If you are unsure of how to move forward to gain custody most efficiently, the following are some key tips.
Build a strong relationship with your child
If you do not have a strong relationship with your child, it’s unlikely that your presence in their life will be positive. This can sometimes feel like a vicious cycle for many single dads, since the more time they spend away from their child, the weaker the bond tends to become. Start where you are, and consider small things you can do to build up your relationship. If physical visitation is not possible, try calling or video calling more often.
Build your life around your child
If you’re serious about gaining joint custody of your child you’ll need to ensure that they feel that they live in your home. That means you’ll need to have a bedroom for them, and you’ll need to make sure that it’s a space that makes them feel safe and comforted. In addition, you should try to build other aspects of your life around your child. If possible, you should try to have a job that ensures you can take care of your child in the evenings, and you should make sure that the people you bring into your child’s life are positive influences.
Remember that your child has two parents
Remember that the other parent is loved by your child, no matter what you think or feel about them. This means that you should be respectful and not talk negatively about them.
If you want to gain custody of your child but you are unsure of how to do so successfully, you must take action to understand how to move forward.