Comments on: How is child custody determined?

By: andrea

andrea — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:58:42 +0000

i got a ? i have a one year old daughter and i have takin care of her all by myself since she was born. Now her father want to be a part of her life and have custody. Can he get custody over me i pervide everthing for her. we have are own place and everything. i work 7 days a week just to get what she wants and needs and he has not helped at all.

By: sylvahruby

sylvahruby — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:04:06 +0000

Custody determinations tend to vary slightly by state.
If you’re in what’s commonly referred to as a “mother’s rights” state (which, to be honest, is most of them), your chances of retaining custody are good.
If the child is over a year old and you have been the sole custodial parent, even better.
Financially, I wouldn’t be all that worried about his standing. His making fifty grand a year may only mean that he will be obligated to pay way more child support than either of you figure. His being the greater income earner certainly does not, in the eyes of the court, make him the most appropriate parent to have residential custody.
The other things that influence custody decisions: any history of criminal activity or drug abuse (either of you), housing situation, general health and happiness of the child, any involvement with a Children’s Services agency.

Good Luck – I’d say he’s bluffing to try to scare you. It’s pretty common in younger guys..the whole “I’m gonna sue for custody thing”. Trust me, he doesn’t really want it (although maube his mother does!)

By: Colleen O

Colleen O — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:52:26 +0000

Child custody is determined by a number of factors that all add up to what is best for the child. Living in a one bedroom apartment is NOT a good thing for a child because the child needs their own bedroom. Your ex’s feelings during your pregnancy doesn’t enter into the decision. It is not about who loves the child more, who makes the most money, who can give what to the child…it is about what is best for that child and no one else. Your ex stands a much better chance at total custody because he CAN provide what the child needs better than you can. You may not like it but that is the way it goes. The child’s needs and ONLY the child’s needs come first in the eyes of the law.

By: Christi

Christi — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:58:59 +0000

Whoever seems to be the most fit parent usually gets sole custody but you should really try to come to some agreement to divide time equally. Is he going to be taking care of the children or is his mother going to do all the work. Is he going to be up all night when they’re sick? Judges do lean toward the mother in most of these cases, unless she has proven herself to be unfit. Try to get a good lawyer or try to come to an agreement with the hubby.

By: Pat

Pat — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:03:42 +0000

There are many determinants. It’s definitely not all about money. Of course you have a chance at custody. Worldwide, mothers are generally favoured whether that’s right or not, it’s how it is. You don’t have to be wealthy to have a child. Look at all the hippies (and they still exist). People with no money used to bring up kids.

What you have to show is that you are a loving parent, will pay attention to your kid, that you will provide a healthy diet, a comfortable home, a healthy lifestyle in general.

Maybe you can think of some of the reasons why you wouldn’t get custody, then really examine those ideas.

By: ~little missy~

~little missy~ — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:25:55 +0000

you dont at all! my mom was a single parent living with her mom and dad making about the same as you and she won custody hands down. if he wants to take you to court go for it! Just make sure you take people that know he wanted you to have an abortion anyone that might have been around when he mentioned it would be great! bring up the idea that if he dosent think you have enough money to raise the child maybe he should be paying more child support! worst case that can happen for you would be split custody where the child would get to go with the father usually every second weekend… but still live with you primarily! Good luck.. hope it helps!

By: CUBE.

CUBE. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:59:27 +0000

Depending on what state you live in, yes, being more wealthy means that that party has a higher chance of custody over the child unfortunately. But, as you are the mother you have a much higher chance of getting custody. Only 18% of males get sole custody over a child, just because females are deemed more suitable.

However, this will all be dependent on if you have done anything against the law before. If they find that you have been arrested previously (which i am not insinuating) this may greatly alter the case to the fathers side.

By: good_business08

good_business08 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:34:04 +0000

99.9% of the time mothers will win this battle. No judge is going to grant a father custody of the child. unless he can prove your a unfit mother. If you have a stable home and a job.
your fine, just slap him with the child support.

By: melissa s

melissa s — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:05:49 +0000

you do not! and unless he can prove you are unfit , Judges usually favor the mom

By: Brittney U

Brittney U — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 03:19:52 +0000

They don’t determine custody by money, but if your able to care for the child addequitly. If you have raised the child its whole life then you have a good possiblity of keeping it. Plus if your mother or a friend heard him say that he wanted you to abort the baby then they can testify against him with that.
Good luck