Fathers Have Rights

One disadvantage about the modern American legal system is that fathers often get burned when it comes to custody, visitation and other issues hindering them from seeing their children. Family law attorneys are commonly consulted for such issues, but there are attorneys who specialize in father’s rights. Some fathers who are being treated unfairly may not even realize that they have more rights than they were told. After a divorce or separation, the custody is generally granted to the mother in most states, unless there are special circumstances. Whether the father is the more suitable parent or not, courts will still usually grant initial custody to the mother. These decisions may be appealed and it is best to do so using an attorney who specializes in father’s rights. In many states, the law allows for decisions to be reevaluated, sometimes resulting in a change in custody. Fathers who feel they should have sole custody must fight the decision.

Custody is not the only issue concerning the rights of a father. Hundreds of fathers are dealt with unfairly in the aspect of child support. Some mothers may threaten the father, demanding extra child support paid directly to her, or she will not allow him to see the child. Unfortunately there are many petty reasons that the mother will try to manipulate the father, using children as a bargaining chip. This is abusive behavior; fathers who are mistreated by the mother of their child must document every occurrence and save any proof. It is illegal to tape phone conversations, but a written log of any negative threats or activity will suffice in court.

Any legal issues regarding children will be considered an issue as long as they are minors. This means that judges must look at the long-term picture of their lives. Fathers must be able to present reasons for any issue they have that will enhance or correct an issue in the long-term aspect. One very valuable resource for all fathers is a book penned by Mike L. Weening, called the Father’s Rights Survival Guide. Giving helpful advice about how to handle each situation, Weening gives laws and solid information to back up each point. The book reveals many things that fathers are unaware of, giving them a resource for solving the problem. Free lifetime updates are offered with the purchase of the book, so fathers will always have up-to-date information.