One issue that people often run into when they are considering divorce is that they’ve been given some misinformation. There are myths floating around out there that they unwittingly bought into, perhaps long before they ever thought they would get divorced themselves, and those myths then influence the process.
To keep this from happening to you, here are three myths you should recognize for what they are:
- Custody goes to mothers, not fathers.
Historically, mothers have gotten custody more often than fathers, but that has changed. Courts now often attempt to keep both parents involved, so shared custody is most common. In other cases, fathers will get custody and mothers will not. - Custody is something children decide on their own.
Children do not decide on custody. They are minors. Their parents or the court will decide for them. That said, they can give some input, if they have a preference. This may carry a bit more weight the older they are. But they do not get to pick on their own. - You must go to court to get divorced.
You do not have to. Many couples choose mediation as an alternative. They sit down with a mediator and decide things like how to divide assets and time with their children. They cooperate and seek outcomes that are best for all involved, keeping the judge from making those choices for them.
Have you heard any of these myths before? Are you surprised to find out how things really work? If so, it may be time to look into all of your legal options so that you know exactly where you stand before you and your spouse end your marriage.