It used to be that most states would just simply give custody of the kids to the mother (especially is the kids were under the age of five).
However, in most states this rule has been thrown out completely.
If both parents appear to be fit to raise the child that's when it can get tricky in the courts.
There is no law in any state that says a mother will get custody of the child in the event both parents seem fit.
Today the courts look at the child's best interest, regardless of the parent's gender.
However, more often than not the divorcing couples decide that the mom will have custody after divorce and the dad will get visitation rights.
This decision is made because in many cases the mother will have more time to spend with the kids since the father is usually working 8-10 hours a day.
Sadly, sometimes the father will not try and fight for custody because of the aforementioned stereotype.
This is a shame for the kids and the father both.
If the father would do a little research he'd find out that it's not a woman's court anymore and dad can get custody of his child just as easily has mom can.
Fathers should not be afraid to fight for custody of their children because of some foolish gender stereotype.
After all, in most homes both parents work full time so the father has just as much a chance of winning custody as the mother does.
The judge is going to look at the child's best interest.
If you feel you are the better parent for your child then don't be afraid to ask for full custody.
This is the 21st Century, and the courts no longer give custody of the children to the mothers anymore.
Fathers have an equal shot in the courts nowadays.
But you'll have to be prepared, so do some reading on the topic so you'll be ready to win custody of your child.