Why Do Stay-Home Dads Lose Custody?

We have seen time and again cases in which fathers provided primary care of young children, only to have the court award custody to the mother in a divorce. The reality is that moms who put up a fight for custody often win. Our law firm is committed to leveling the playing field so that dads who deserve custody — especially those who have already shown they can handle the responsibility — can get a fair shake.

The divorce and family law attorneys of Edwards & Associates are known in the Atlanta area for their effective fathers' rights advocacy. With 10 years of focused experience, we have helped stay-at-home dads (and working dads) obtain full or shared custody by demonstrating their contributions to the daily care and upbringing of their sons and daughters.

Helping Fathers Assert Their Child Custody Rights

The courts often grant custody to a mother on the grounds that she has been the primary caregiver and that the status quo is least disruptive for the child. However, when a stay-at-home dad or the male half of a working couple has been the primary caregiver, those contributions and continuity are overlooked.

The court somehow concludes that it is in the child's best interests to live with the mother, even if she has not been actively engaged in the child's life. Often, working mothers who have relinquished primary care will cut back their hours and suddenly spend more time with the kids in anticipation of a custody battle. We help the court see that you have been the one who was "there" for the kids for a long haul, not just the last couple of months.

We understand that Mom may have become the breadwinner out of economic necessity. But if Dad has been doing a good job in the caregiver role, it is not fair to yank the children away. He deserves joint custody at a minimum, if not primary custody, and we will fight for it.

• See examples of our fathers' rights success stories.

Solid Advice and Strong Representation

Our goal is to resolve custody disputes without a courtroom showdown that wastes assets and puts children in a tug-of-war. We give our clients honest counsel about the likely outcome based on our extensive knowledge of the county and the judge assigned to the case.

If you are concerned that you will be cut out of the picture after raising your child, we will help line up witnesses, arrange for professional assessment of your fitness as a parent, and prepare you to make your case to the judge. If you are awarded custody, we will also address the corresponding issues of child support and alimony.

Call 404-841-0155 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation with lawyers who understand father's rights under Georgia family law.