There are many fathers who would argue that they lose much more in a divorce than just their spouse. Many fathers argue that, almost by default, they automatically lose legal custody of their children, while their ex-wife seemingly is granted that custody without the courts giving it another thought. Most Michigan courts would argue that something that important would not be done haphazardly.
Truth be told, in homes where children are being raised by a single parent, almost 24 percent of those children are with the mothers, while only 4 percent live with their fathers. A recent census showed that, of the roughly 23 million children living with a custodial parent, only 18 percent of them lived with their father. In addition, in 2011, women were awarded custody three times as often as men, which is a trend that has not changed in roughly a decade.
Some believe that fathers are absent more than they are present. Estimates show that mothers spend roughly twice as much time involved in children’s activities than fathers do when couples are still married, so it just makes logical sense for courts to grant custody to mothers. That is not to say that fathers are not as capable of being involved and as caring as mothers are. Some people just might argue that fathers are not given the chance to prove themselves often enough.
For Michigan parents, regardless of which one hopes to gain primary legal custody, or if the two plan on sharing custody, the goal should naturally be to protect the well-being of the children. When it comes to negotiating the details, it is normal for both parties to get emotional and even overwrought. Seeking out an impartial third party can keep the process moving forward for the best interests of the children.