Men’s Child Custody Statistics in Alabama

There is a common misconception that the mother of a child is most likely to be awarded custody in a divorce. In reality, there is no inherent court bias in favor of mothers over fathers when it comes to custody agreements.

If you are a father, you can and should fight for as much time with your children as you desire and deserve. If you are the child’s mother, you should not assume that you will be awarded custody regardless of your specific situation.

If you are going through a divorce in Alabama and need help dealing with child custody issues, contact New Beginnings Family Law for help. We have been helping families in Alabama with divorce, custody, child support, and other aspects of family law for over a decade. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today by phone or online.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Alabama?

Very few child custody cases are actually decided by the courts. Most of the time, parents come to an agreement on their own or during mediation – usually with assistance from attorneys. When the court does get involved, however, they will look at a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

• Home environments
• Parent ages and stability
• Parent mental and physical health
• Ability of each parent to provide for the children
• The characteristics of the children
• The needs of the children
• The desires of the children

A lawyer can help you gather the evidence to demonstrate that you are fit to be the primary caregiver of your children.

Father Custody Statistics in Alabama

In Alabama, fathers receive on average 33.7% of custody time, ranking 21st in the country according to Custody X Change. The neighboring states of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia have lower percentages of custody time for fathers, while Florida splits time evenly between parents on average.

States that usually vote Democratic tend to give more time to fathers, with 40% giving equal time, while states that usually vote Republican give far less, with only 22% giving equal time. Swing states give the most time to fathers, with 59% giving equal time.

After divorce, only 22% of fathers who do not live with their children see them more than once a week. About 29% see their children between one and four times a month, and 27% have no contact with their children at all.

How to Modify Child Custody

Modifying a custody order after it has been finalized can be challenging in Alabama. You will have to provide a substantial amount of evidence to demonstrate that a modification is necessary and in the best interests of your children.

It is better to obtain a satisfactory custody agreement from the beginning. A lawyer is essential at this step, whether you want to come to an agreement with your ex-spouse or you need to go to court.

In both situations, a lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence to show that you can provide a safe, comfortable home for your child. Whether you are a father or a mother, a lawyer can work to ensure that you get to spend as much time with your children as possible.

Contact the Experienced Father Custody Lawyers at New Beginnings

If you are a father and need to modify an existing custody agreement or are just now going through a divorce, New Beginnings Family Law can help. Learn more about how our lawyers can help you with your custody battle by scheduling a consultation right away. Call us or contact us online now.