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Do Mothers Get Child Custody More Often Than Fathers?

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Many people assume that mothers have the upper hand over fathers in custody battles, but this is not always the case. 

In this article, we’ll go over why many assume that the mother always gets custody, how things are different today, and what judges really consider when granting custody rights.

Let’s get started!

Why many assume mothers get custody

In the past, mothers were almost always the primary caregivers of their children. So it made sense to give them custody (instead of giving it to fathers).

Plus, for many decades family law followed the “tender years” doctrine, which dates back to the late 19th century and states that children need their mother during their early, developmental years. Most fathers didn’t contest.

But today, there are no laws that codify a gender preference in who should gain custody over a child. And while it’s true that historically mothers were nearly always guaranteed to win custody battles, this is increasingly no longer the case. 

How things are different today

Modern gender roles have evolved. Today, there are more women in the US college-educated labor force than men, and young women are out-earning young men in several US states.

Now that more women enter (and excel in) the workforce, the idea that they are always the primary caretaker no longer holds. 

Some couples share equal responsibility in taking care of the kids and providing. In some households, women are even the main breadwinner. Since 1967, the share of breadwinning or co-breadwinning mothers has more than doubled.

What this means for custody battles is that fathers are often just as good, if not better, at taking care of their children. As a result, many men are being awarded full or equal split custody.

That said, the mother is often still favored in custody battles that involve very young children. For example, if a baby relies on the mother for breastfeeding, she will more than likely gain custody. However, if the infant is bottle-fed, a father may have just as good a chance at winning custody since they can do the job just as well.

It all depends on what the best interests of the child are.

What the judge considers when granting custody

To determine how to split custody rights, a judge will take many factors into consideration. Here are just a few:

  • Which parent is most able to provide a safe and stable environment for the child?
  • Which parent can provide for the child financially and physically in terms of essentials, like food, shelter, medical care, clothes, and so on?
  • What is the state of each parent’s mental health, criminal record, and personal habits?
  • Where does the child want to live?
  • How old is the child and do they have special physical or mental needs?
  • Will the child have to move and adjust to a new city, school, friends, and quality of life?
  • Did either parent bring false or malicious charges of child abuse against the other? Is either motivated to gain custody only to lash out at the other parent?
  • What is the child’s relationship like to each parent? Has either parent ever abandoned the child? 

The list goes on, but you get the idea. When parents fight over custody rights, the judge weighs all the factors above to determine where the child would do best.

The final verdict

At the end of the day, child custody decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Most result in partial custody to both parents, but not always.

On average, mothers are still granted around 65% of custody time, while fathers are given around 35%. 

Whether you are a father or a mother trying to win custody rights, try to maintain a civil and respectful relationship with the other parent at all times. Being vengeful will only hurt your case. Be sure to maintain a positive relationship with your child as well.

Lastly, it pays to consult an experienced family law attorney who can help you know your rights and give you the best chance of winning custody over your child.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Lifestyle

The Whale’s Tale Brings Family-Friendly Flavor to the Hamptons

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There’s a new spot in the Hamptons where delicious food, relaxed beach vibes, and family-friendly fun come together in one inviting destination. The Whale’s Tale, originally a beloved favorite in Northport, has made its way to the East End and is already creating buzz as a must-visit for locals and vacationers alike.

Perfectly positioned beside the marina and steps from the shoreline, The Whale’s Tale Hamptons location is designed for all-day enjoyment. The indoor dining room offers a cool retreat from the sun while the open-air deck provides front-row seats to golden hour. The grab-and-go beach shack is ideal for quick treats, offering craft beer, artisan soft serve, and snacks for those headed back to the sand.

The menu is fresh, fun, and filled with options for every palate. Families can share acai bowls, tacos, and crisp shrimp cocktail while seafood lovers indulge in buttery lobster rolls and a raw bar featuring oysters and chilled shrimp. The food is flavorful without being fussy, making it perfect for guests of all ages.

With games like cornhole, live music on weekends, and firepits for evening hangouts, the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. It’s a place where kids can play, adults can relax, and everyone feels like they belong. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or looking for an easy-going dinner spot, The Whale’s Tale offers a refreshing take on what it means to dine by the water.

This isn’t just another restaurant, it’s a new chapter in Hamptons hospitality. One where good food, good company, and good views come standard.

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