Houston Fathers' Rights Attorney
What Are My Legal Rights as a Father?
This is why At the
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, we offer skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal representation.
Our Houston family lawyers are committed to maintaining strong familial
ties, particularly after a
divorce. Fathers need legal representation just as mothers do.
A Father’s Rights and Responsibilities
Is paternity an issue? Before a father can assert his rights, he will need
to establish his legal standing as the child’s father. If he claims
to be the biological father, he may be ordered to undergo a paternity
test. A father is assumed to be the child's father if he was married
to the mother and the child was born during the marriage. However, for
unmarried fathers, the case may have other factors. Without a court order,
a father does not have rights that the courts can enforce--even if he
is the father designated on the child's birth certificate. Once paternity
has been established, the courts can then issue the father’s right
to custody and/or visitation.
Fathers are given the following rights and responsibilities after establishing
paternity:
- Retain joint or full custody.
-
The right to adequate
visitation.
-
The right to obtain a fair
child support order.
-
The right to
modify the terms of a child support order due to a change in circumstances.
- Fight any unjust or unfair visitation orders.
- The responsibility to provide financial and emotional support to the child.
- The right to develop a lasting, meaningful relationship with the child.
It is a commonly-held belief that mothers are given the advantage when
it comes to
child custody matters. However, the times are changing, and the laws are undergoing
many amendments to address this. Studies show that children thrive when
they have both parents playing an active role in supporting a child’s
growth and development.
There is much research has supported the claims that fathers play an integral
role in a child’s development. Children show to have higher levels
of self-esteem, perform better academically, and have a much easier time
adjusting socially. Our Houston fathers' rights attorneys are proud
to help families adjust and prepare for the balancing act that is life after
divorce.
Recommended Reading
Protect Your Rights—Contact Us!
Our Houston fathers' rights lawyers want you to continue having an
active role in your child’s life and overall well-being. We care
deeply about maintaining a strong
family structure, and retaining your rights to continue having a fulfilling relationship,
and we believe there should be no barriers to how you wish to help your
child succeed.
We are here to help you. Schedule an
initial case consultation to get started on your case today!