When many Arizona couples divorce, they find ways to share custody and allow both parents to continue to be involved in the children’s lives. However, for some reason or another, some parents file for sole custody. They might think that the other parent is not a fit mother or father. Perhaps one parent refuses to work and earn money to support the child, or maybe the parent lives a partying lifestyle and allowing him or her to raise the child would be detrimental to the child. NBA star Paul George is asking for sole child custody of his baby daughter with limited parenting time for the baby’s mother — if his paternity is confirmed.
The All-Star basketball player, who plays on the Indiana Pacers, took a paternity test while the baby’s mother was pregnant. It showed with 99.9 percent certainty that he is the father. However, he is requesting another test to confirm its accuracy.
The mother recently filed for sole custody, citing the fact that George’s extensive travel schedule would not make him a good father. However, George is claiming that he would be the better parent. He claims that he has the financial resources to care for the 2-month-old, while the child’s mother is currently unemployed and not willing to seek work. She allegedly relies on family to help care for the child.
In a custody dispute, the court will make a decision based on the best interests of the child. Which parent is better equipped to adequately care for the newborn? In the past, judges often ruled in favor of the mother. However, babies require around-the-clock care and tons of gear, which can be very costly. It is important to determine which parent can meet the girl’s financial and emotional needs.
Source: IndyStar, “Pacers’ Paul George seeks sole custody of child,” June 30, 2014