Divorce can be a scary time for fathers. Maybe you have heard that it is impossible for dads to get child custody in Alabama, or that mothers always get to make the final decision regarding child rearing. Neither of these myths are true, and as a father you have an excellent chance of securing shared or even sole custody.
What is in your child’s best interests?
As a father, you know how important it is to be involved in your child’s life. The good news is that Alabama family law actually agrees with you — joint custody is generally presumed to be in children’s best interests. There are exceptions to this presumption though, especially if there are any extenuating circumstances involving a parent who has:
- An untreated mental illness
- A history of addiction
- A history of domestic violence
Don’t forget child support
Even if you share joint custody, you or your ex might be expected to pay child support. In Alabama, child support is determined by a formula. The formula will take into account your income, your ex’s income, how many children you have, medical expenses and other relevant factors.
Your child is your priority, so you know how important it is to get child custody and support right. This is not something you have to tackle on your own, though, so you may want to consider seeking expert guidance on the matter. You can also learn more about Alabama family law, custody, support and modifying past orders by visiting our website.
