Children Need the Input of Both Parents

We often hear the lament that fathers are not always treated fairly when it comes to issues surrounding the children. One Salt Lake City father claimed that he has not been allowed to see his children in close to two years, and that there has been no sufficient justification as to why he has been denied his father’s rights.

This father states that the divorce decree that was written up in 2010 allowed for specific visitation times, but that the these provisions have never been complied with by his former wife who is now the custodial parent. He claims to have consistently made child support payments, and that he has significantly contributed to his children’s medical expenses and education.

There may or may not be truth to the allegation that fathers are not treated equitably in family law courts. Whether one has been treated fairly in the court often depends on the point of view of the spouse addressing this matter.

However, what is vital to remember is that the outcome of every divorce matter involving children needs to revolve around what is in the child’s best interest. Courts will attempt to meet the financial, educational, emotional and physical needs of the child first before then focusing in upon what is important for each individual spouse.

Good family law attorneys understand this principle. These attorneys also understand that what meets the needs of the children generally meets the needs of the parents as well. Though one spouse often looks at a divorce proceeding as a means to gain an advantage over the other spouse, infighting will result in everyone being hurt – especially the children. What is generally best for the children is involvement in their lives of both parents. Children should not be forced into a position where they have to take sides.

Family law attorneys and their clients will often have to balance these sorts of considerations in almost every child custody matter. How a child is raised and how a child should be raised should always be the primary concern. This often means that both parties will be required to have input in the child’s upbringing.

Source: City Weekly, “Disposable Dad Page 1,” by Carolyn Campbell, April 24, 2013

• Please visit our Salt Lake City lawyers’ website for more information regarding child custody disputes.