Dads all around the United States are working hard to spend time with their children. In divorce or after a separation, it can be hard to know if you’ll be able to walk away with the custody time you want, though.
Interestingly, there are state-by-state comparisons that can help you know what to expect. For example, nationwide, fathers are likely to receive around 35% of custody time.
Every state handles custody in different ways
Most state judges would agree that it’s best for children to see both parents as often as possible. That doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily going to award 50/50 custody time, but it may happen. For example, in Nevada or Missouri, fathers get around 50% of the custody time allotted. Comparatively, North Carolina fathers get an average of 27.9% and fathers in Mississippi get around 23% of the custody time.
In Texas, the average is 33%.
Does being in a red or blue state matter?
Interestingly, being in either a red or blue state does matter. Studies have found that red states are less likely to move toward equal custody time. Blue state are more likely to offer equal custody time at 40% compared to 22%. Purple states were the best, with 59% moving toward equal shared custody.
What does that mean for you? It means that if you live in a red state, you’re less likely to see your child. Divorced fathers in red states see their children approximately 400 hours less than those in blue states.
No matter where you live, custody time is important for you and your child
No matter where you live, it is important to fight for custody time and the right to see your child. Though Texas tends to give less parenting time to fathers, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be in a position to see your child as much as you’d like.
You and your ex-spouse can negotiate for a custody schedule that is fair for both of you. You can also present your case in court to seek the custody schedule you want and the time you think is fair with your child.