When courts make custody decisions, their priority is always to do what is in the child’s best interests. In almost all cases, this is for both parents to take part in the child’s life. Generally, the more significant a role they can both play, the better.
While mothers traditionally fared better in custody cases, Texas law does not say they should. It considers both parents of equal importance. Knowing that can ensure you do not give up your parental rights too easily if you are a father fighting for custody rights.
Why are fathers important to a child?
While it is obvious that fathers are important to their children, putting the reasons why into words may be more challenging. The Child and Family Research Partnership of the University of Texas at Austin created an infographic to help. Here are some of the ways children benefit when their father remains involved in their life:
- 100% more likely to attend college and get regular employment
- 80% less likely to go to jail
- 75% less likely to become a teenage parent
- 60% less likely to be suspended or expelled from school
- 45% less likely to fail a year at school
- 39% more likely to get A grades
If the mother of your child is trying to keep you from spending time with your child, sharing these statistics may help reduce her opposition to you sharing custody. After all, no one wants to see their kids in trouble or missing out on success. Yet as clear as the figures are, you will still need legal assistance to secure your rights as a father and give your child the right to keep you in their life.