A strong and healthy father-child relationship is essential for the child’s emotional and psychological development. Research shows that involved fathers contribute significantly to their children’s well-being, academic achievement and overall life outcomes.
The importance of a father’s involvement in a child’s life cannot be overstated, and the state of Kentucky recognizes this. That’s why in the summer of 2018, it became the first state to enact a child custody law with a rebuttable presumption of permanent joint legal custody and equal parenting time. Read on to learn what this means to fathers in Kentucky.
What legal frameworks govern when fathers see their kids
Initially, the Kentucky family court system named one parent as the primary custodian and provided visitation arrangements for the other. Today, the law stipulates that the child’s best interest is to have co-parents who participate equally in their upbringing. Therefore, as long as you pass the parental fitness and capacity evaluation, you can show up for your child as much as your co-parent.
What are fathers’ custody and visitation rights?
Thanks to Kentucky’s new presumption for joint custody and equal parenting time, you’re entitled to joint legal custody of your child and an equal amount of parenting time with them. So you would typically have as much right as the mother to make decisions concerning your children and spend time with them.
As a father, understanding your rights to see your child is crucial for maintaining strong parent-child relationships and helping ensure your kids’ well-being. You should therefore familiarize yourself with the legal frameworks and advocate for your rights.