If you are about to be in one of the most challenging negotiations of a person’s life then you are likely to have questions. You may have even heard of the myths regarding what happens during a child custody case. It can be hard to think that you won’t be with your child 100% of the time because the relationship with your partner simply didn’t work out. There are some myths that need to be laid to rest though. 

Read on to see what is real and what are just myths that the media enjoys playing out. 

Myth: Mother’s Get Sole Custody 

This simply isn’t the case. While there was a time when the women were favored because they were the ones that were taking care of the children, it simply isn’t the case now. It hasn’t been the case in over 20 years. There is nothing stopping a father from being granted sole custody. Gender isn’t taken in when a judge is deciding who gets to be the one with custody. It comes down to which parent can give the child their needs to the best of their ability. 

Myth: You’ll Have to Go to Court

Once again, the answer is no. You don’t have to go to court to settle a custody disagreement. There are plenty of ways that you can go about avoiding the courtroom even if you and your partner don’t agree on something. For starters, you can go through mediation, where a third party helps you work through the difference and understand the needs of the child. Heading to the courtroom is often the last result for many people. You and your partner know what is best for your child and working it out with them is in your best interest. 

This is why a lawyer is good to have. They can help you through this process and help you avoid stepping foot in a courtroom. 

Myth: Children Choose Who to Live With 

Children simply don’t get to choose who they live with. Sometimes a judge will hear from a child if they are old enough to make a rational decision, but in many cases, judges don’t want to hear from a child. The court is stressful for adults and it can be even more so for children. Often a child has to be at least 10 to be able to talk in front of a judge. If the child is clearly opposed to living with one parent the judge may consider what is in the best interest of that child. 

Choosing a child custody lawyer can be a stressful time but you can have your interest in mind when you walk through our doors. You don’t have to worry about if you will be listened to, we listen because your case is your priority which makes it our priority.