Job and custody

[huffamuse]

I got a job this week that allows me more flexibility then most. I will be able to bring my child to work and care for him while I work. Is this something that will look favorable for me in court? Not having to put the child in daycare or does it not matter? I'm looking for anything that will give me an edge on getting custody.

[tbyte]

Hmmm...depends upon what the job is.
Is is safe for you to bring your child at work?
Will it interfere with your daily work responsibilities?
Is the job steady and does it pay well?
You see what I am getting at? "But Mr. Judge, Sir, my boss says I can leave my baby in the tool shed while I do my welding." That ain't gonna fly very far.

[huffamuse]

The job is designing trusses in an office. My dad owns the place and my sister has been bringing her baby to work for the past year, and will be having her second baby in October. I have been designing trusses for the past 10 years, so the job is steady and secure and pays good (about twice as much as the mother makes)

[tbyte]

Hmmm...well, I can tell you that working for a parent or relative always looks fishy to courts. It is so easy to hide income or lie about circumstances when your employer is a close relative and will back up your story.
Frankly, I do not think telling the court that your child will be hanging out in an office all day is going to impress them. Too many questions about safety, how much attention the child is going to get, will it be a stimulating environment, etc. I would have second thoughts about bringing this up in court.