Do you think fathers should have as much right to be awarded custody of the children as the mothers ...

Custody battles between fathers and mothers are becoming common in divorce cases. In the past, courts invariably awarded the woman custody of the children. It is still generally given to the mother, although this assignment is no longer automatic. An increasing number of fathers are requesting custody of their children and are making it known that they resent the sexist bias of many courts, which assumes that a mother is better qualified to raise children. In many states now, children over age 14 are allowed to select the parent with whom they wish to live if that parent is fit.

The recent willingness of courts to award custody to the father has a hidden cost to society. Fathers often threaten a protracted custody battle. As a result, mothers who want custody of their children without a fight are routinely forced to barter custody in exchange for reduced child support payments. Because such payments are so low, these women and their children then qualify for financial assistance with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).