Fathers’ expectations are not usually satisfied by a court’s custody ruling. If you can show that you are a dedicated and attentive parent who has struggled with any problematic behavioral issues, the court can alter the custody order to give you more time with your kids.
Speak with a lawyer for legal consultation and to learn how fathers can spend more time with their children. These tactics include demonstrating to the judge that you worked with your former spouse, settled prior disputes, and actively participated in your child’s development.
How to increase parenting time for fathers
Parenting time is when each parent can spend with their child and have physical possession of them. Without a court order, a child’s legal parents typically have the right to be involved in their lives and spend time with them. But when parents divorce, the matter typically ends in court, where a parenting plan is set up.
Courts often plan parenting time using a standard possession order. However, there are cases in which the court will reject this strategy.
Lets explore some actions you could take to make a stronger case for spending more time with your kids.
- Participate in your child’s life.
Participating in your child’s life is one of the best ways to bolster your case, even if you feel it goes without saying. Make it a priority to attend your child’s:
- Sport activities
- Doctor’s appointments
- Extracurricular activities
- School functions
- Parent-teacher meetings
- Help your child in making important decisions.
You can participate in important decisions impacting your child depending on your present situation. These options could affect your child’s:
- Education
- Mental health treatment
- Medical treatment
- Religion
- Extracurricular activities participation
- Avoid missing your scheduled visitation time.
Your schedule or responsibilities may change over time due to unexpected occurrences. However, if you genuinely want to extend your parental time in the future, you must prioritize using the time you currently spend with your kids. You must modify your plans to fit your parenting schedule, not vice versa. Do not adjust your parenting time to fit your plans.
- Invest in training like CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and parenting classes
Although there rarely exists an instruction manual for parenting, plenty of materials are available to help you become a better parent. Using these tools allows you to show a judge that you take your duties as a parent seriously.
Based on your circumstances and the justifications for a restricted visitation order, you could think about participating in classes like:
- CPR and first aid classes
- Anger management classes
- Parenting classes
- Caregiver training classes
Make sure to speak to an attorney for any legal complications you face!
