Dallas Fathers' Rights Lawyers
Understanding Fathers' Custody Rights in Texas
The traditional stereotype that fathers are the breadwinner in the family, with the mother serving as the primary caretaker, has shifted dramatically in recent years. In the past, there was no question that fathers faced an uphill battle throughout the divorce process.
There existed an assumption that awarding custody to the mother was always in the child's best interest. Luckily, this outdated way of thinking is no longer the norm and has moved its way through Texas courts.
Our lawyers help fathers ensure they receive the fair treatment they deserve in and out of court. To schedule a consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at (214) 225-6766.
What Custody Issues Do Fathers Face in Texas?
Our father's rights attorneys in Dallas can help you handle more than just custody cases, we can help you navigate:
- Paternity actions - If you find yourself involved in a paternity case, you may be concerned about how the outcome could impact your life. Our team will help you protect your rights and ensure you're prepared to approach the case from the correct angles.
- Adoptions - Fathers must establish paternity before they can adopt a child. We'll work with you throughout the adoption process, guiding you towards a positive outcome.
- Child support disputes - Many fathers fear they'll receive an unfair judgment in their child support case stemming from their paternal status. We'll safeguard your rights and help you push for an equitable outcome.
- Parental rights cases - If another parent attempts to terminate your parental rights, we'll help you defend against false allegations and fight for your rights in and out of court.
Just because you and your spouse no longer want to share a life doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your relationship with your children. The relationship between a father and child is just as meaningful as that between a mother and child.
Establishing Paternity to Secure Fathers' Rights
In Texas, a father’s legal rights to his child are closely tied to his paternity status. If a father has not established paternity, he may face significant challenges asserting his rights in child custody and visitation matters. Paternity can be established either through voluntary acknowledgment or through DNA testing.
If a father is not married to the mother,paternity must be established before he can seek custody or visitation rights. Once paternity is legally established, the father gains the right to seek custody, visitation, and parental decision-making involvement. Paternity testing may be necessary if there is a dispute regarding whether a man is the biological father of a child.
Additionally, if paternity is established, the father may also be required to pay child support, which is based on the income of the noncustodial parent. A Dallas fathers' rights lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected, whether you are seeking to establish paternity or contesting an existing child support obligation.
Father’s Rights in Child Custody and Visitation
Fathers seeking joint managing conservatorship may face challenges, particularly if the mother has primary custody. A Dallas fathers' rights lawyer can help fathers assert their rights, whether they are seeking joint conservatorship from the start of a divorce or modifying an existing order.
When it comes to visitation, Texas law allows fathers to seek reasonable access to their children through a structured parenting plan. If both parents are granted joint managing conservatorship, the child may live with one parent during the week and visit with the other parent on weekends, holidays, or during other times based on a parenting schedule.
In some cases, fathers may face challenges obtaining sufficient visitation time with their children. If a father is being denied his rightful visitation, a Dallas fathers' rights lawyer can help petition the court for a modification or enforcement of visitation rights.
If the parents cannot agree on a visitation schedule, the court will establish a standard possession order, which typically provides the noncustodial parent with:
- Weekend visitation (every first, third, and fifth weekend of the month).
- Thursday evening visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Holidays and vacations with the child.
What Are the Obstacles to Texas Fathers' Rights During Custody Cases?
Frequently, both parents are fighting for custody of their children. Suppose your wife refuses to budge on custody decisions. In that case, we will aggressively represent you in all aspects and pursue the best outcome possible to give you continued access to your children post-divorce.
Conversely, it's unfortunately not uncommon for a mother to allege that her husband was abusive or neglected a child to sway the court into believing that the father is unfit to care for their child. Our attorneys have experience with cases involving false accusations of abuse, alcohol or drug dependency, and many more.
Modifying Child Custody and Visitation Orders
If a father’s circumstances change after a custody order is established, he may seek to modify the existing order. This could be due to changes in employment, relocation, or the child’s changing needs. If a father believes that the existing custody arrangement is no longer in the best interest of the child, he may petition the court for a modification.
In Texas, to modify a child custody order, the parent must show that:
- There has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order.
- The modification is in the best interest of the child.
Fathers can petition the court for a change in the parenting plan to increase their time with the child or modify other aspects of the custody arrangement. The court will consider factors such as the child’s needs, parental involvement, and any other circumstances that may affect the child’s welfare.
Defending Fathers Against False Allegations in Texas
False allegations of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse can be damaging and affect not only a father’s relationship with his children but also his reputation and legal standing
Our attorneys can help you:
- Gather evidence you can present to the court, supporting your capability as a parent;
- Help you defend your parental rights, including protecting you against false accusations;
- Pursue a custody or visitation timeshare that enables your child to thrive and ensure you spend as much time as you deserve with your child;
- Work with the other party to negotiate an equitable custody arrangement (if you wish to resolve the situation amicably), or;
- Litigate your case in court, providing you the fierce legal representation you deserve to safeguard your rights and best interests.
Child custody issues can be very emotional and complicated for everyone involved, if you're like most parents, the main goal is to provide a secure and loving environment for your children. Our Dallas father's rights attorneys stand ready to help you protect your rights as a father and receive the outcome you deserve in your case.
Contact Our Dallas Fathers' Rights Attorneys
Whether you are dealing with a divorce, child custody battle, or modification of an existing order, it is important to have skilled legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.
Dallas fathers' rights lawyers at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker PC are dedicated to helping fathers navigate the complex legal system and achieve fair outcomes in child custody and support matters. If you are a father seeking to assert your rights, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your relationship with your children.
Ready to Defend Your Father's Rights? Contact Our Dallas Team Today Calling (214) 225-6766.