Baltimore & Towson Lawyer Discusses The Father's Rights Movement
Lawmakers in Maryland and all throughout the country are starting to take a closer look at the concept of equal parenting, particularly with respect to giving fathers equal rights when it comes to spending time with their kids.
Typically, many decisions that have been made in child custody cases have been geared in favor of mothers (unless there was some irrefutable evidence of abuse). However, lawmakers are looking at ways to create custody arrangements that provide both mothers and fathers equal parenting time after they divorce or separate.
For years throughout much of the U.S., mothers have been granted full custody of their kids and fathers were ultimately given visitation days and times. However, this year, lawmakers in approximately 20 states are showing their support for fathers by passing parenting bills that give parents equal time with the kids. Children who enjoy equal amounts of time with both parents are generally physically and mentally healthier, according to studies that have been done over the years.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to a Huffington Post report, census data shows that 83 percent of custodial parents are mothers. Additionally, a national study was done to examine each state’s child custody statutes and the bulk of the states scored poorly. Two states received an “F,” while 23 states got a “D” rating. 18 states received a “C” and only 8 states obtained a “B” rating. No state was given an “A.”
Why is Equal Parenting Time a Good Thing?
As noted above, studies have shown that children are typically healthier overall when they can share time with both of their parents. The movement seeks to create a situation in which equal parenting is the norm instead of the exception, and more and more states are providing legislation that could make that wish a reality in the near future.
For couples who are contemplating divorce or separation, the new laws could allow them to work together for the sake of the children to come up with a joint custody arrangement whereby they will share time 50/50 with the kids.
Your Towson family law attorney knows that the top priority when dealing with child custody issues is for everyone involved to always keep the best interests of the children in mind.
The courts always make the best interests of the kids the primary concern when considering a number of factors related to custody and visitation, such as the willingness of the parents to share custody, the fitness of the parents, the relationship between the child and the parents, the child’s age, sex and health, and, depending on the child’s age, the preference of the child.
Dealing with custody, visitation and parenting time issues can be difficult and emotional; however, you do not have to deal with complex laws and legal procedures on your own. If you have any questions or concerns about parenting time or any other child custody-related issues, contact the Law Offices of Amar Weisman, LLC right away to learn how to protect your rights under the law.
Call (410) 321-4994 For a Free Consultation
Call The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman at (410) 321-4994 to schedule a Free Consultation. The Purpose of the consultation is to determine whether you want to retain this law firm as your Baltimore County & Harford County Family Lawyer. If you do wish to proceed, then you must pay a retainer. See Our Policy on Fees and Costs. The family firm is located next to The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204.
