by S. Colvin

Created on: July 27, 2009

When asked if men should be given equal custody rights in the event of a divorce, my immediate thought is no. However, that is out of pure selfishness on my part. Truth be told, I absolutely think that fathers should be given equal rights. One parent should not be considered superior over the other.

Society has conditioned parents to consider it a mother's primary role to care for the children, and the fathers to have a place somewhere in between. In fact, fathers are becoming increasingly active in their children's lives. If a father is providing love, support, and safe environment for his children, there is no reason for him not to be given equal rights.

Many children are caught in the middle of ugly custody battles that usually have nothing to do with them and their well being. The decision of parental rights should not be dependant on how the relationship ended or personal feelings, but how each individual performs in their role as a parent.

Unless the child is in a potentially harmful situation, the mother's custody rights are rarely questioned. This should hold true for a father's rights as well. They are just as deserving to have custody and see their children. With that being said, equal custody rights should not always be granted if they are not deserved. The equal rights are based on the preconceived notion that the children will be receiving the same quality of care with each parent.

There are many fathers out there that want nothing more than to see their children happy and to assist in their growth and potential. If they are willing to be there and do what is necessary to enable their children, then they should be given the same custody rights that are granted to mothers. Fathers have more to offer than financial support, it is time that society allows them to exercise that right.

Why are fathers given the choice to sign away their parental rights, but they have to fight for equal custody rights when they want to be a part of their lives? Sharing custody of our children is not a situation many think of when welcoming children into the world. Unfortunately, the reality of this occurrence is becoming more common. Custody rights should benefit the children involved, not the personal needs of either parent. The situation is never an easy one to experience, and for some it may never get easier. However, if both mother and father are capable parents, than equal rights should be granted.

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