Child custody can be a thorny issue for parents and things are not helped by the fact that there are different laws and guidelines in each state does not help. Paternity issues affect women and children as well as men. Although men and fatherhood are at the heart of the issue, figuring out paternity influences everyone involved and society as a whole. Child custody and paternity go hand in hand, and anyone who is involved in a paternity case should be aware of the child custody aspect that will follow. Here are some child custody guidelines to consider along with paternity.

Technology can establish paternity with over ninety-nine percent accuracy. The paternity test is usually a simple DNA test–a saliva swab is taken from the man and the child–that matches the father to the child. This makes establishing paternity pretty cut and dry. The man is or isn’t the father. However, the ramifications from the test aren’t nearly as simple. This is only one aspect of custody cases. There are many custody cases where the issue or paternity is not in question.

Parents should follow the custody guideline to figure out a custody and visitation agreement that works for them. This will save them a lot of money and hassle by not having to keep going to court. If they can work out an arrangement the court will merely accept it. If the couple has a hard time agreeing, they can consider going to custody mediation.

Usually the father pays child support, but the custody guideline is that the parent who doesn’t live with the children pays child support and that amount is somewhat based on how much time both parents have with the children. If a father wants to lower his support payments, he can offer to make a joint custody arrangement with the mother or take more time with the children. If he is only looking to save some money, this isn’t the best arrangement. But, if he genuinely wants to see his children more, this is a good way to handle the issue.