Many still see women as playing a larger role in raising the children as compared to the child’s father, which some explain as a reason that mothers prevail in these cases. Courts often consider the emotional attachment of the child to each parent when determining which parent should be the custodial parent, and which the non-custodial parent. Some believe that with many seeing the mother as having a stronger bond with the child, many courts end up granting women custody of the child instead of men. It isn’t that the laws specifically grant mothers more rights than fathers, but that many courts will grant more time with the children to the mother than the father.

As far as paying child support each month, the court will order it paid so the child has all that he or she needs and is well-cared for. The amount paid will be based on the income of both parents, earning capacity, and other factors. In cases in which the ex-spouses share custody equally and earn roughly the same in salary, nobody may be responsible for paying child support. Make sure you remember that each case is different, and to speak with an attorney regarding the specifics of your case to get a better idea of what you might expect in court.

This isn’t to say that fathers are never the custodial parent. Many fathers take care of the children for a greater period of time than the child’s mother. Speak with your attorney and inquire about your chances in court. If you’re a good father with no legal troubles who earns enough to take care of the child, you should legally have as much a chance at prevailing in these family law battles as the mother.