#1 Piece of Advice for Dad’s who Want 50/50 Custody

Dads, face it, it’s hard to get 50/50 custody of your kids in Utah.

There are a few reasons for that, but mostly it’s because wives are with the kids more than men are.

In other words, they are the primary caregivers, and that means a lot when you’re getting divorced and determining custody and parent-time.

So, if you’re a dad thinking about getting divorced, and you want 50/50 custody, here’s my #1 piece of advice: be the most involved father you can be right now.

The more involved you are right now, the more likely you will be involved you will be in the future. And the more involved you as a parent in your marriage, the more likely you are to share 50/50 custody.

It’s all about time and effort. Spend as much time as you can with your kids. Don’t go out with friends. Instead, go on activities with your kids. Help them with homework. Go to doctor and dentist appointments. Go to parent-teacher conferences (this one’s really important to judges, by the way). Be involved.

Start today. Even if you’re going to get divorced next month, start being involved today. It can only help you.

Bonus Advice

I’ve given you my number #1 piece of advice, now let me give you a bonus: my #2 piece of advice.

Don’t leave the house before you start the divorce process.

If you’re living in the marital home when you start the divorce process, you’re significantly more likely to share 50/50. Conversely, if you live away from your kids, it will be much harder and more expensive to get 50/50.

If you’ve already moved out of the home, my advice is to move back in for a while, and only then start the divorce.

I know; it’s awkward. But moving back in and living with your kids is very, very helpful when you ask for 50/50.

Call Brown Family Law

If you find yourself facing a Utah divorce, please call 801.685.9999 for an in-person consultation, or use our online scheduling tool.