How Important Is Fatherhood?
Proven Advocates In A System That Devalues Dads
We Proudly Help Fathers Fighting For Their Children
What Rights Do Fathers Have?
Child Custody
In years past, there was a strong presumption (known as the tender years doctrine) that young children were always better off residing with their mothers. And once a child has resided in the mother’s home, fathers seeking child custody faced a substantial burden in altering the status quo. While this presumption no longer exists officially, it is still deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, and often reflected in judges’ decisions. Fathers seeking sole custody or joint custody must be prepared to strategically face this bias to overcome it.
Visitation
Once paternity is established, fathers have a presumptive right to visitation under most circumstances. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for custodial parents to raise false allegations of abuse, neglect or domestic violence to restrict or void these visitation rights. Unfortunately for dads, some judges are far too willing to indulge these allegations in the absence of a strong legal defense.
Child Support
While both mothers and fathers may be responsible for child support, child support is more frequently a father’s issue since mothers receive primary custody in the vast majority of cases. Men facing unreasonable support demands or unfounded accusations of paternity can be made liable for many thousands of dollars in support each year unless they adequately respond.
