In a divorce, should a father have equal custody to the children?

In divorce, the father should have equal custody to his children as long as the following conditions are met:

1. He was actively involved in their day-to-day care before the divorce. He spent as much time with them as his job allowed, and always put their welfare before his own.

2. The children feel comfortable and secure in his care. They accept his discipline and are not afraid of him.

3.He has suitable accommodation for them. They will be safe and feel at home at dad's place. There is room for extra clothes and toys. Dad is not an obsessive "neat-freak."

4. He is not presently a drug or alcohol addict.

5. He is emotionally stable, and has no serious physical or mental health problems.

6. He is not in trouble with the law. He is up-to-date on maintenance and support payments.

7. He sincerely wants equal custody, and is not just trying to make his ex miserable.

8. He is unlikely to kidnap the children and flee to another jurisdiction.

9. He has family or friends on whom he could call in an emergency, if the mother is not available.

10. He is willing to accept the responsibilities and sacrifices necessary to have an important role in raising his children. He realizes it will significantly limit his social life, and cramp the "happy bachelor" lifestyle to which he may be aspiring.

If the father fulfills these conditions, he should have equal custody of his children. They will benefit by having both male and female role models with whom they can identify, by having lots love, and affection, and by being able to spend quality time with each parent. It can work well for parents too; they will have time to interact with their children but also free time to pursue their own interests. There is one overriding consideration on which both adults must agree: the welfare of the children must always come first.