Over the years, the courts’ approach to divorce has shifted. There used to be something of a presumption that mothers were the more natural parents, so they tended to get child custody. But this has changed, and courts now prefer shared custody so that children get to spend time with their fathers.
Part of the reason for this is simply that it’s fair for the fathers to also get to be involved. But the court is always focusing on the child’s best interests, and so the main reason for this shift has been that studies have found that children develop in more positive ways when they get time to interact with both parents.
Less likely to drop out of school
For example, some studies have found that children who see their fathers are less likely to leave school before graduation. This gives them more stability, a better education, a brighter future and a lot of other opportunities that they wouldn’t have if they left early. They are also more likely to have better grades and to do better academically overall.
More positive social development
This has also been linked to social development for children, and to psychological development. Children with fathers in their lives may have better relationships with their adult peers in the future, and they may be less likely to develop psychological issues and disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
These are just a few of the reasons why it’s so important for children and fathers to have a continuing relationship even after a divorce, so it’s wise for fathers to understand all of their custody rights.