Fitness & Custody, Part 3: Basic Care and Daily Routines
Hi, I’m Clint Hastings, Tulsa Dads.Law attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is part three of our video series on fitness. It breaks down the factors courts consider in custody decisions from a practical, common-sense perspective I use with clients.
Today’s focus: basic care and daily routines.
Importance of Daily Routines
We’re talking about everyday parenting responsibilities—getting the kids dressed, brushing teeth, bath time, meals, and hygiene. These seem simple, but they carry serious weight in court. Judges want to know who consistently handles these tasks.
Many fathers assume, “Of course I can do that!” But the key question is: Have you been doing it?
Establishing Consistent Routines
In many cases, moms have taken the lead on this, and even when a dad is fully capable, he may not have had to manage those routines regularly. If that’s the case for you, and you’re in the middle of a divorce or custody dispute, start now. Establish your consistent routine when the children are with you.
When you’re in court, you should be able to confidently describe your parenting approach. For example: “I use Crest toothpaste, the kids have color-coded toothbrushes, and at 8 p.m., we brush teeth together. I set a timer and checked that they brushed well.”
Preparing for Court
You don’t need a perfect method, but you do need a routine you can describe in detail. Judges pay close attention to this. I’ve had opposing parties on the stand who couldn’t explain their nightly routine—and that hurts credibility. This is one area where you can absolutely show you’re a fit parent. It should be a layup at trial—if you’ve done the work ahead of time.
Stay tuned for the next part in our series on fitness and custody. Thanks for watching.
Call for a Low-Cost Consultation
If you need help navigating custody issues, contact us today for a low-cost consultation. I’m Tulsa child custody attorney Clint Hastings. Call 918-962-0900 to schedule an appointment with our experienced attorney.
