Unmarried Fathers Rights & Custody

By Author: Maya Lansky
Total Articles: 159
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Children have the right to have two parents in their lives, regardless of whether the parents are married or not. Fortunately the law focuses on one\'s suitability as a parent and not on their marital status. If you are a single father, you have the right to be a part of your child\'s life. You have the right to make decisions with regard to their education and upbringing, and to a fair visitation or custody arrangement. You also have a legal obligation to pay child support.

A father who is not married to the mother of his child establishes his legal status as a father by signing the birth certificate or by obtaining a paternity test. Even if you have an informal arrangement with the child\'s mother regarding such issues as custody, visitation, and child support, it is important for you to also protect your rights, formally and legally. A Riverside father\'s rights attorney can help you to protect your rights and the rights of your child.

There was a time when a single father did not have much legal recourse when it came to issues of gaining visitation or custody rights over their children. This is not the case ...
... anymore, as times change and many couples become parents together while choosing not to marry. However, even if paternity of the child is legally established, in most cases when the parents are not married, the mother automatically has physical custody of the child unless there is a court order stating otherwise. If you are unsure where you stand legally when it comes to gaining partial or sole custody of your child, or you want to make certain that you are able to have a fair visitation arrangement and a voice in the important decision that affect your child\'s life, a Riverside Dad\'s Law Attorney can help you.

Riverside father\'s Rights Attorneys know how important it is for you to establish your legal paternal rights, and to solidify any informal arrangement you may have in order to avoid potential trouble further down the line. When legal matters are unsettled and unclear, it can be difficult to focus on what is most important in your life: being a good father and being there for your child. It is best for you, and best for the child to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and legally so that you can go about the business of being the best father that you can be for your child.

Unfortunately, issues of child custody and support can be contentious despite one\'s best intentions. It is important always to remain focused on what is best for the child. Emotions can run high, and it is often wise to leave legal issues to those who are experienced in dealing with these sometimes volatile matters. If you have questions about your paternal rights, there is someone out there who can help you. Fathers do have rights, even if they were never married to the mother of their child. An experienced father\'s rights attorney will help you to arrange an agreement that is fair and protects your rights as a father.

Riverside Fathers Rights Lawyer: Fathers have equal custody rights; however, they are often left out in the cold not knowing this very important fact. Whether the father is unmarried, or asked to pay support that is financial unsustainable, our attorneys will fight to maintain their rights under the law. If you\'re in need of a Riverside Dads Law Attorney, visit us today!http://www.riversidefathersrights.com/about.html