San Fernando Valley Fathers' Rights Attorneys
Trust Your Rights to Our Dedicated Legal Team
As a father going through a divorce or separation, you may be feeling stressed and highly emotional. Most courts will favor the mother in a custody battle, but as a father, you have rights. Under the law, you are protected against discrimination and have an equal opportunity to obtain custody of your children.
If you feel your rights as a father have been infringed upon, work with Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law. We understand that this time in your life can be complicated and will help you seek a favorable resolution. Call (818) 839-2533 to learn more.
Multiple studies have shown that being directly involved in your child's life can have a positive impact on their well-being. When both parents have equal time with their children, the children do better in school. However, if your ex is not a fit parent, working with an attorney can help you retain custody of your children. Your rights as a father during a divorce or separation can include being involved in your children's life, overseeing religious practices, having a say in school and education, the ability to make medical and dental care decisions, having a say in their discipline, and having a chance to equally parent alongside their mother. You also have the right to financial support and protecting your children from harm.
Common Questions About Fathers' Rights
What are fathers' rights?
"Fathers' rights" refer to the specific legal rights that fathers have in regards to their children. Issues concerning fathers' rights most often arise in the event of a divorce, legal separation, or other family law matter. They are most often called into question in issues involving child custody and visitation rights. Although fathers' rights were widely unrecognized in the past, they are beginning to gain more recognition and importance in current family law proceedings throughout the U.S.
What rights does a father have in California?
In the past, most family law and divorce court rulings went in the favor of the mother in terms of child custody, visitation, and child support. Unless the mother was simply unfit to care for the child, custody would virtually be automatically granted to her. In more recent years, fathers' rights have become more broadly recognized throughout family law courts in California. However, it often still takes hard work and dedication to fully exercise these rights and ensure your special bond with your children is not damaged or completely severed.
A skilled fathers' rights attorney should recognize that a child will often be better off with a strong and loving relationship with his or her mother and father. Granting sole custody to the mother in a divorce or legal separation can affect a child's wellbeing, particularly when the mother attempts to limit or prevent visitation. She may move out of town or may seek a court judgment that makes it so you can't see your child often.
What rights do unmarried fathers have in California?
When a child is born to a married couple in California, it is automatically assumed that the husband is the father of the child, but when an unwed couple has a child together, it needs to be established on the birth certificate who the father is. Establishing paternity can help you protect your rights as the biological father of the child. It is important that this be done to help you obtain custody and have a say in the raising of your children. Paternity tests are simple and are generally not that expensive. Results for these tests are usually available within 48 hours. If your ex is denying you the right to a paternity test, you can obtain the service of Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law to help enforce the compliance to one of these tests as well.
How does paternity relate to fathers' rights?
A mother may attempt to bring paternity into question. You may seek custody of your child or may want to establish visitation rights, and the mother may claim that you are not the legal father. Establishing or disestablishing paternity is important in these cases as it will determine whether a father may have the right to custody or the obligation to pay child support. Paternity may be established through a DNA test or, in some cases, may be dealt with without the necessity of such a test.
Can a husband receive spousal support or alimony?
Yes. Either a husband or a wife may be entitled to spousal support in the event of a divorce or legal separation. This may be established in an out of court agreement or a judge may make a ruling determining spousal support or alimony, including the amount to be paid and the length of time it will be in effect.
Can a father receive child support?
Yes. Generally speaking the custodial parent (mother or father) may receive child support from the non-custodial parent for the costs associated with raising the child. This may include the child's food, housing, clothing, medical care, daycare costs, and education. Often child support is required until the child turns 18.
Why Hire a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer in San Fernando Valley?
At Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law, we know how important it can be that your children are well looked after in the event of a divorce. The best way to ensure that they are taken care of is to have a say in their upbringing. If you are going through a divorce or separation with children involved, it is highly important that you work with a dedicated and understanding attorney from Cutter & Lax Attorneys at Law today. Our firm will fight for your rights and help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Whatever your legal goals may be, you can rely on our experienced San Fernando Valley fathers’ rights attorneys to help you achieve them. Contact us today!
