Moreno Valley Fathers’ Rights Lawyer

Moreno Valley Fathers’ Rights Attorney

As a father, it may feel like the law is in favor of mothers when it comes to shared children. California law claims to be gender-neutral and looks out for the best interests of the child, but if you feel your gender is inhibiting you in legal consideration around your rights, you may need a legal advocate. A Moreno Valley fathers’ rights lawyer from Edgar & Dow Family Law can be a significant support to you in establishing and fighting for your rights, regardless of the issue.

What Is a Father Entitled to?

As a father seeking to participate in your child’s life, it is vital that you understand what rights you are entitled to. With recent data on California’s divorce rates at 8.9% in 2020, parents need to understand more and more what their rights are over their children. In Moreno Valley, California, a father is entitled to the same legal rights and responsibilities as a mother as soon as paternity is established. Until paternity is established, fathers do not hold legal rights.

These rights include custody rights, visitation rights, legal decision-making abilities, gender-neutral protection under the law, the right to establish paternity, and the right to seek child support. If you are unsure about utilizing your legal rights as a father, it may be time to meet with a trusted fathers’ rights lawyer to learn more.

How a Father’s Rights Lawyer Can Help

A father’s rights lawyer may be a key asset in helping to protect and enforce your rights as a father when it comes to matters like child custody, visitation, paternity, and support. If you, as the father, are feeling overlooked or are experiencing unfair treatment from the legal system, it is time that you work with a supportive legal advocate who has your back.

Establishing paternity is the essential component of being able to exercise your rights as a father. If you are unmarried, a father’s rights lawyer can help you establish paternity by filing a paternity action in court, which will probably be the local court on Headcock Street. A lawyer can help you by requesting DNA testing and ensuring that your name is legally recognized as the child’s father. Once paternity is confirmed, you gain rights to custody, visitation, and more.

Why You Need a Lawyer

A father’s rights lawyer can help you in the legal action you are pursuing. This may be requesting joint or sole custody, negotiating a fair parenting time schedule, or challenging unfair or one-sided custody arrangements. A lawyer can represent you in court and argue that you are a capable and active parent. Courts in California are in favor of keeping both parents involved when possible, so your lawyer can push for equal or substantial parenting time.

If you are facing false allegations of abuse or neglect, your lawyer can help you navigate this challenging time. They can work to challenge the evidence that is presented against you, protect your parental rights, and help prevent damaging restraining orders or custody restrictions.

FAQs

Q: What Are My Legal Rights as a Father in California?

A: In California, you hold equal rights to a mother as a father when it comes to parenting, regardless of your relationship status with the child’s mother. The law focuses primarily on the child’s best interests, not the gender of a parent. Parents equally hold rights to custody, visitation, establishing paternity, decision-making, and much more. Each case will vary as it is unique to the legal standing you hold as a parent, but it will not be impacted by your gender.

Q: How Expensive Is a Family Law Lawyer?

A: How expensive a family law lawyer is will depend on several factors and can vary greatly depending on these factors. These factors include the lawyer’s experience level, their specific location and jurisdiction, and the complexity and timeline of the case. A lawyer’s fee structure can also influence overall cost. Fee structures can include an hourly rate, a retainer fee, a flat fee, or, at times, a contingency fee, depending on the type of case.

Q: Can a Mother Stop a Father From Seeing Their Child?

A: A mother is not legally allowed to stop a father from seeing their child unless she has a court order. If a mother holds a court order, this is because there is a valid legal reason, like concerns for the child’s safety, which will impact where and how much a father can see their child. Another reason may be that legal paternity is not established, which means the father doesn’t have enforceable custody or visitation rights.

Q: Does a Mother or Father Win Most Child Custody Cases?

A: While historically mothers were more likely to win primary physical custody, especially of young children, California law today claims to be gender-neutral. This means that child custody is not influenced by the gender of either parent but rather by what is in the ultimate best interest of the child and their needs. Courts tend to favor shared parenting when possible, which means that both parents have joint legal custody and/or joint physical custody.

Q: Does a Father Have Less Rights Than a Mother?

A: No, a father does not hold fewer rights than a mother under California law. Both parents hold equal rights and responsibilities when it comes to their shared child, regardless of gender and their relationship status. While gender does not influence rights, there are certain cases in which the parents were never married, and the father never established paternity, which means he does not have legal rights as a father, but this can still be established later.

Speak With a Father’s Rights Lawyer Today to Learn More

Regardless of the issue you are facing as a father, whether it is establishing paternity, navigating custody arrangements, or protecting your rights in a legal case, a father’s rights lawyer can support you. Reach out to Edgar & Dow Family Law today to set up an initial consultation, and you will be met with a compassionate and understanding lawyer who is ready to protect your rights as a father.