If you are a father seeking shared custody, you may worry that the court will assume your child should spend more time with the mother. This is especially concerning when you have taken an active role in raising your child but are unsure how much that will matter.
Pennsylvania law does not favor either parent based on gender. It also does not start with the assumption that one parent should have custody. Instead, the court looks at your child’s best interests and considers several factors tied to each parent’s ability to provide care.
Show proof of your parenting
The court looks at the parenting duties you have handled and your willingness and ability to keep doing them. If you regularly take part in your child’s schooling or medical care, it might help to have records that show that involvement.
Emails from school could show that you stay involved with teachers and events. Appointment records or a calendar may also help explain the care you provide from week to week. These details give the court specific information about your role instead of relying on assumptions about which parent usually handles certain tasks.
Explain how your custody proposal works
The court also looks at whether your proposed arrangement would work in daily life. Your work hours, your availability and your plans for child care may all matter.
If you are seeking shared custody, you could explain how your work schedule fits your child’s routine. Flexible hours might make pickups or after-school care easier. If work keeps you away at certain times, dependable child care may help show how you plan to cover those periods.
Focus on a practical parenting plan
You may want to review your proposed schedule and see how it fits your child’s school, care and home routine. It could also help to keep records that explain the parenting role you already have. A workable co-parenting plan may give the court useful information about how you intend to meet your child’s needs after divorce.