Decoding How Judges View Your Employment Status
Hi, I’m Clint Hastings, a Tulsa child custody attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on fathers’ rights. Today, I want to discuss divorce and custody—specifically, how judges consider fitness and what factors really influence custody decisions. Rather than delving into legal jargon, I’m going to break this down in a more common-sense way—the way I approach cases when advising my clients.
There are many pieces to the fitness puzzle, so I’m doing this as a series of about 10 short videos, each focused on a different factor. First up: employment. Your job may seem like a major strength—or weakness—in your custody case. But it’s not always that simple.
Factors to Consider About Your Job
Courts look at stability and availability. So ask yourself: Do you work late nights or weekends? Are you consistently available to care for your kids? Sometimes clients say, “I’m a CEO. I have a great job. Mom’s just a substitute teacher.” But that title alone doesn’t carry weight. If mom is more available and has a stable routine with the kids, the court may actually see her as the more “fit” parent, regardless of income.
On the flip side, if mom hasn’t held a steady job, is struggling financially, or can’t provide a stable living environment, then her employment situation might hurt her in court. The key takeaway: Don’t assume that having a better job automatically puts you ahead. It’s about how your job impacts your ability to parent, not just your paycheck.
Next Steps: Residency and Stability of Living Arrangements
In the next video, we’ll dive into residency and stability of living arrangements. I’m Tulsa Dads.Law attorney Clint Hastings. Thanks for watching.
Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Low-Cost Consultation
If you are facing a custody battle and need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Clint Hastings at 918-962-0900 to schedule a low-cost consultation today. Your rights as a father matter, and we are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
