Dad with Child Custody When it comes to divorce in Utah, the state has a reputation of favoring women, especially mothers. This favoritism is not limited to Utah though, most states have historically ruled in favor of the woman, particularly mothers, in divorce proceedings.
Child Custody in Utah Divorce
The main area of law in Utah divorce where mother's often prevail is child custody. Historically the mother has been the stay-at-home parent, especially in Utah. More often than not, Utah divorce courts have granted sole physical custody to mom, while dad gets standard visitation. As a result of these lopsided rulings, organizations that represent fathers, and families, have petitioned the legislature to pass laws that allow fathers to have more parental rights after a Utah divorce.
In addition, there have been numerous studies over the last few years that indicate that children from whose parents have gotten divorced are less stressed and function better when both parents are substantially involved in their lives. This "new" viewpoint has been reflected in Utah custody evaluators recommending joint physical custody more and more often.
Simultaneously, it is much more acceptable now and far more prevalent for a woman or mother to pursue her own career, rather than stay at home and raise children.
This "perfect storm" of events has resulted in the pendulum shifting and fathers are getting more of their rights enforced by courts. Utah legislatures have gotten on board as well, one of the most significant recent events has been the alteration of the standard visitation schedule, which allows courts to give more time to the non-custodial parent than it historically has.
This is all good news for men that want more involvement in their kids lives. However, if you are a father going through a Utah divorce, you do not want to rely completely on this evolution of parent rights. Courts still prefer the status quo, all things being equal, and some judge's are a little slower to come around than others. If you want extra time with the kids it is likely that you'll ultimately need a custody evaluator. But the good news is that the road is significantly less hazardous when seeking equal parent-time or more parent-time than that offered in the standard visitation statute.
Contact Pearson Law Firm for a free consultation with an experienced Utah divorce attorney. Call 801-888-0991
Simultaneously, it is much more acceptable now and far more prevalent for a woman or mother to pursue her own career, rather than stay at home and raise children.
This "perfect storm" of events has resulted in the pendulum shifting and fathers are getting more of their rights enforced by courts. Utah legislatures have gotten on board as well, one of the most significant recent events has been the alteration of the standard visitation schedule, which allows courts to give more time to the non-custodial parent than it historically has.
This is all good news for men that want more involvement in their kids lives. However, if you are a father going through a Utah divorce, you do not want to rely completely on this evolution of parent rights. Courts still prefer the status quo, all things being equal, and some judge's are a little slower to come around than others. If you want extra time with the kids it is likely that you'll ultimately need a custody evaluator. But the good news is that the road is significantly less hazardous when seeking equal parent-time or more parent-time than that offered in the standard visitation statute.
Contact Pearson Law Firm for a free consultation with an experienced Utah divorce attorney. Call 801-888-0991
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