Mothers are traditionally known for being the main caregivers of the family. This is a reason why, in past decades, there was an assumption that the children should remain with their mother in the event of divorce. However, fathers today are more involved in the lives of their kids. Florida courts no longer make the presumption to award custody to the mother. In some cases, though, circumstances may seem to favor mothers.
The primary caregiver
One primary factor courts use to determine custody is which parent has been the primary caregiver for the children. Courts examine which parent has been bearing most of the parental responsibilities and day-to-day tasks. Due to the way many marriages are structured, mothers are often the primary caregivers.
Parent-child bonds
The bond between parents and children is another main factor courts use in making custody decisions. Typically, the younger a child is, the greater the bond the child has with the mother. This is not a reflection on the father, but rather a product of general parenting roles. Mothers feed and nurture children from birth to their toddler years so, naturally, the mother-child bond can be a strong one.
Help with child custody
It can seem like mothers are favored over fathers when it comes to custody rulings. However, courts in Florida award custody based solely on the best interests of the children. Fathers who are pursuing child custody could benefit by taking on as many daily parenting tasks as they see fit. Any parent in Florida who has questions or needs help with child custody matters has the right to speak with a legal representative. A seasoned family law attorney can help clients understand what the courts are looking for and work to increase their odds of gaining custody.