Does Alabama Favor the Mother or Father in Custody Cases?

Alabama law does not consider the gender of the parents when determining custody, visitation, or other factors related to child-rearing. Instead, there is a list of factors the judge must weigh to determine the child’s best interests. This includes many factors related to the child’s previous activities, success in school, and the parents’ abilities to provide the necessary care.

Never assume that a mother or father will or will not get custody, decision-making, or visitation rights in an Athens custody case based on gender alone. Alabama law prefers joint decision-making and continued quality time with both parents.