A Change in Single Parenting: The Rising Role of Single Father
Becoming a custodial father likely means you will spend more time with your child and have more control over their day-to-day activities. However, becoming a custodial parent has historically been more difficult for fathers than mothers.
Fortunately, many states are making great strides to enhance the rights of responsible dads. Take Florida’s “Good Dad Act” (HB 1301), for example, which guarantees legal protections for unmarried fathers with established paternity.
Yet, as parental custody statistics show, fathers still make up a small percentage of solo parents. Fortunately, there is a cultural and legal shift happening that gives dads hope. With sound counsel and representation, fathers face a more promising landscape in the wake of a spousal separation.
Fathers Are Four Times Less Likely Than Mothers To Live Alone With Their Children
In a 2022 census report, 23 percent of mothers said they lived alone with their children, while only 6 percent of fathers reported the same. In part, the difference is likely attributable to the fact that mothers are more likely to gain custody when a relationship dissolves.
Compared to Unmarried Parents and Mom-Only Households, Dad-Only Households With Children Are More Likely To Own Their Homes
According to the same census report, solo dads are more likely than solo moms and unmarried co-parents to own their homes. Data shows that 56 percent of dad-only households live in an owned residence, compared to 40 percent of mom-only households and 44 percent of unmarried-parent households.
While homeownership does not guarantee a stable home life, renters move more often than owners. Real estate data showed that 95 percent of homeowners stayed in the same residence in 2021, compared to 84 percent of renters.
Solo-Parenting Dads Are Twice As Likely To Have a College Degree Than Unmarried Dads
Census data shows that 23.3 percent of solo-parenting dads have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to only 12.3 percent of cohabiting unmarried dads. Another 30.1 percent have completed some college.
Data suggests parental education levels impact children’s school and job outcomes. Around 70 percent of adults with at least one college-educated parent also have college degrees, compared to 26 percent of those whose parents did not attend college. Additionally, graduates with college-educated parents tend to have higher incomes and build more wealth.
Solo-Parenting Dads Are More Likely To Be 45+
Census data shows that dads living alone with their children are more likely to be 45 or older. Thirty-seven percent of father-only families had a primary parent in this age group, compared to 33 percent of married parents and 23 percent of mother-only households.
Older parental age can put children in a better position financially and emotionally. The median net worth of adults in their 40s tends to be significantly higher than that of those in their 30s, and it continues to go up after age 50. Older dads also say that their maturity makes them better and more devoted parents.
More Solo-Parenting Dads Have Jobs
Unemployment rates are lower in dad-only households compared to mom-only households. A reported 83.1 percent of solo dads have jobs, compared to 74.4 percent of solo moms.
Also, mom-only family groups are more likely to be outside the labor force. Census data considers people “not in the labor force” if they are neither employed nor seeking employment. Nearly 21 percent of solo moms are absent from the labor force, compared to 13.5 percent of solo dads.
Steady employment puts less stress on the entire family. Research shows that children of jobless parents are at higher risk for long-term mental health issues, particularly when the parent is unemployed for an extended period. Employed dads have more resources to make their children feel physically, mentally, and financially safe.
The Number of Cohabiting Dads With a Married Spouse Is Dropping
Between 2007 and 2023, the number of cohabiting mothers with a married spouse decreased by .1 percent. By comparison, the number of cohabiting fathers with a married spouse dropped by 3.5 percent. Fewer married fathers mean more dads are potentially fighting for custody.
Single Fathers Are Less Likely To Live Below the Poverty Line
With fathers more likely to be able to provide for their children financially, it’s hard to justify the difficulty fathers have getting custody. As of 2022, the rate of father-only families living in poverty was nearly half that of mother-only families. Census data shows that 15 percent of families with only a father at home lived below the poverty line, compared to 28 percent of mother-only families. The number was even higher for unmarried parents (34 percent).
More Children Now Live With a Father Only
The number of father-only families has increased in the past 15 years despite the ongoing struggles fathers face in earning custody. Almost 10 percent of surveyed parents in 2022 are fathers living without a partner, compared to only 7.3 percent in 2007.
Single-Parent Family Groups Are Growing, but Dads Still Struggle
The number of solo parents has increased significantly in the past four and a half decades. In 1980, almost 80 percent of children lived with two married parents. Today, that number is down to 66.6 percent.
Mother-only families still outnumber those with solo dads. As of 2023, 22.7 percent of family groups in the U.S. have solo moms, while 5.6 percent have solo dads.
Since 1970, the number of father-only families has increased by 4.3 percent, while the number of mother-only families has grown by 11.2 percent. Dads still have a long way to go, but things are evening out.
Shared Parental Rights Are a National Trend
Father custody statistics show that dad-only families are still a significant minority, but there’s good news on the horizon. Joint custody is rising, meaning significantly more parenting time for dads.
Joint custody gives co-parents a chance to meaningfully participate in their children’s lives. This arrangement was once relatively rare, with just 13 percent of families sharing joint custody before 1985. By the early 2010s, that number had jumped to 34 percent.
There’s no universal truth about whether shared custody is better or worse for children in complicated divorces. Every family is different, and each parent should have an attorney evaluate their legal rights.
What To Do if You're a Dad Trying To Get Custody
Becoming a custodial parent gives dads a more active role in their children’s daily lives. You influence their diet, education, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. Everyday moments with your children are essential for building a strong bond.
If you’re a dad looking to get custody, the first step is to hire a skilled men’s divorce attorney. The second is to inform yourself about the law and how it applies to you.
Research Laws in Your State
Family law changes from state to state, and the default in one might not be the norm in another. Take some time to learn about family law and child custody where you live.
Pay particular attention to recent changes. For example, parental custody statistics in Florida underwent a significant shift in 2023 with the passing of new child custody legislation.
As of July 1, 2023, Florida no longer requires an “unanticipated” change in circumstances to modify a parenting plan. The altered law allows parents to request a re-examination for any significant change, including moving closer to a child. Florida courts normally assume that a 50/50 split is in the child’s best interest, and it is up to parents to prove otherwise if they think another arrangement is best.
Collect and Organize Information Documenting Your Relationship With Your Child
The courts require proof that a custody change is in the child’s best interest. As a dad seeking custody, you will need as much documentation as possible. Helpful information may include:
- Proof of address
- Child medical and school records
- Communication with the child and their other parent
- Records of denied or missed parenting time
- Relevant social media messages and posts
- Your plans for the child's future
Our experienced child custody lawyers can guide you through this process and advise you of the necessary documents. The goal is to prove that your child will thrive under your care and benefit from your parenting.
Contact a Trusted Child Custody Family Lawyer
While research and documentation can certainly benefit dads seeking custody, having a skilled lawyer on your side is often essential. The trusted family law attorneys at our leading family law firm have represented countless families over the decades, and we can help you navigate the challenging terrain of child custody.
We understand how important trust is when your kids are concerned. We are proud to receive numerous five-star reviews from our many satisfied clients. You can count on us to handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism it deserves.
If you are a father looking to secure child custody, we can help you understand your full legal rights and options. Call (407) 634-6604 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
