It is common to see people make the argument that if you cannot afford to take care of your child then you should not be allowed to have custody.
There are also those who believe that custody should be decided on which parent makes the most money.
While that may seem like a proper argument to some, other's believe income should have no bearing on custody matters.
But all that matters is how the court will view this matter.
It truly amazes me that we are bombarded by TV, news, internet, and everywhere we look with people who believe that because they make more money than the other parent they should be awarded custody of their child.
There is far more to being a great parent than providing cash.
Seriously, if they are that concerned they can kick down extra cash to the other parent to help their child have a relationship with the other parent.
Of course that isn't really the issue is it? Income differences between parents are not accepted in court as a reason to award custody or visitation schedules.
Plain and simple.
That isn't to say that the ability to provide a good home is not an issue.
But the difference in incomes or lack of is not reason to make custody decisions.
If you have the means to care for your child, including child support, alimony, public assistance, roommates, and any other creative means, then income is not an issue.
The good news is that judges are not going to spend much time on this issue in a courtroom.
If one parent raises the issue a judge is most likely going to ask about it to verify that the child will be in a safe and appropriate environment.
You should be prepared to answer truthfully but shortly.
The reason you want to be short about this is that you have limited time with the judge and you will want to spend that time on more productive issues.
So do not let the other parent scare you into thinking that they have a big edge because they out earn you.
The truth is that if they can get you to focus on that issue, they can get you on the larger issue of custody and make you feel relieved to get something.
Stay focused on your most important issue, the visitation schedule, and be ready to refocus the courts attention there instead.
You will like the results much better if you do.