not so bitter divorced guy wrote:
In my case I went to court for a preliminary hearing (we were just setting a trial date) and the JDR judge said, "Well, whatever she says is best for the children is what I am going to rule is best for them since she's the mother." The guy didn't know either of us from Adam or Eve and had not heard one fact. So, you are right, the formal laws in my state say nothing at all about one gender being preferred. The reality in the courtroom is quite different.
Yes, while the laws are gender neutral the court is not. Your situation is entirely up to the Judge.
If you get a fair minded judge, you're good. If you get what most men get, or worse a "man hating" judge... you are toast- no matter who the attorney is.