DO MOTHERS AUTOMATICALLY GET CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN WHEN A SEPARATION OCCURS?
The courts of most states do not establish an automatic preference for either mother or father. Instead, they look very closely at which parent will best promote the welfare and interests of the children. What factors do the courts consider in granting custody? They usually look at who has primarily taken care of the child during the marriage (i.e. washing, feeding, clothing, helping with homework, etc.), who has the best approach to discipline, who has cared for the child since separation (if the parents have already separated), what work schedules either or both parents have, and how each parent can provide for the physical, emotional, educational, and social needs of the child. Can a legal assistance officer help me get a court decree for custody? No, you will need to retain a civilian attorney for the preparation of the papers and appearances in court. Can the court award attorney’s fees to me in a custody case? In many states’ laws, if the person asking for attorney’s fees is acti
