Equal Rights for Divorced Fathers (ERDF)

Fathers have equal rights to seek custody, whether joint or sole. Courts evaluate the father's involvement, stability, and ability to meet the child's needs. Fathers should demonstrate active participation in their child's life, including attending school events, medical appointments, and consistent parenting involvement.

Fathers should document their involvement in their child's life, including a log of time spent together, financial contributions, and communication with the other parent about the child's needs. It's also crucial to understand the specific legal criteria your state uses to determine custody and to gather any evidence that supports your role as a nurturing parent.

Fathers should focus on understanding their rights regarding child custody, asset division, child support, and possibly alimony. It's important to get a clear picture of the family finances and to seek legal advice to understand how the divorce might affect your financial situation and parental rights.

Child support calculations typically consider each parent's income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Fathers should provide accurate financial information and understand how their state's guidelines apply to their situation. If there are special circumstances like high medical expenses for the child, these should be communicated to the court.

Fathers can receive alimony if they have significantly lower income than their spouse or if they were the primary caretaker of the children during the marriage. The decision depends on the length of the marriage, each party's financial situation, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage (including non-financial contributions).

Asset division aims to be equitable, considering each spouse's financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and future needs. Fathers should inventory all marital assets and debts and understand the difference between marital and separate property. Legal counsel can help negotiate a fair division.

Fathers should engage a lawyer experienced in fathers' rights. Being organized, maintaining detailed records, and showing a commitment to the child's welfare are key. It's also important to understand the specific laws and court procedures in your jurisdiction to effectively present your case.