San Antonio Father’s Rights Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights as a Parent

When going through a divorce or fighting for custody, there’s a common misconception that mothers are treated more favorably. Fortunately, with the right legal representation, that is not the case. If you are a dad looking to exercise your legal rights as a parent, our law firm can help you do so. We will fight for your right to custody or visitation so you can be together with your children as a family. We can also help you negotiate or change child support payments.

The Hicks Law Firm has helped countless clients navigate the family law court system with favorable outcomes. We are confident that with advocacy from our law firm, you can get the outcome you deserve in your case. For more information about your parental rights and to receive a consultation, call today at 210-985-8330.

What Are Your Rights as a Father in Texas?

As a parent, you have equal responsibility and rights to your child. Although stereotypically, mothers were thought to be primary caregivers of most children, those times are now changing. The court is required to consider both parents as equal caregivers when determining child custody and other rights.

As a father, you have the right to:

Have physical possession of your child
Make decisions about your child’s medical care
Designate the residence of your child
Make decisions about your child’s education
Direct your child’s moral and religious training

If you and your spouse are married when your child is born, you will automatically be considered the legal father of the child. You have parental rights starting from birth, even if you and your spouse get divorced.

What Responsibilities Do Fathers Have?

Along with your rights, you also have responsibilities to your child. If you are advocating for child custody or visitation rights, it’s essential to show that you are a responsible parent and that you are involved in your child’s life.

As a father, you must contribute financially and emotionally during childhood. If you and your spouse are divorced and you are the higher-earning parent, you will likely be required to pay child support. The court may also set a minimum amount of time that you are expected to spend with your child every week or every month.

Do Unmarried Fathers Have Rights?

If your baby is born and you are not married to your spouse, you are not automatically assumed to be the legal parent. You will have no legal rights to your child until you establish yourself as a legal parent. To do that, you must establish paternity.

Establishing paternity lets you appear on your child’s birth certificate and gives you the right to care for your child, plus ask for child custody. Once you establish paternity, you can become a legal parent with full parental rights.

How is Child Custody Determined?

If you and your spouse are getting divorced or you were never married, the court will decide on a child custody agreement that is in your child’s best interest. Child custody agreements cannot be made with a gender bias in mind.

Instead, it will take several factors into account, including:

Parental Stability

Stability is essential for the upbringing of any child. The court will look into each parent to determine if they can provide a safe and stable home and a steady income.

Potential Danger from Each Parent

Parents may be restricted from custody due to physical violence or drug abuse. If you believe that your ex may be a danger to your child, you can work with our law firm to provide evidence of this fact.

Parental Involvement

While gender is not a factor in child custody agreements, parental involvement is. Involvement includes taking your child to doctor’s appointments, bringing them to school functions, attending extracurriculars, and more.

Emotional and Physical Needs of Your Child

The court will determine whether either parent can meet the child’s needs at their current stage of development. In most cases, the court aims to keep both parents involved in the child’s life.

What Are the Different Child Custody Arrangements?

There are two types of child custody arrangements that the courts could decide on. Our firm will help you fight for the arrangement that’s right for you.

The types of custody arrangements include:

Sole Custody

Sole custody means that only one parent has the right to make the decisions about their child. Typically, this is awarded if the other parent has shown they cannot be responsible for a child or if they have issues that could negatively impact their child.

Joint Custody

Joint custody means that both parents share responsibilities for their child. In most cases, the court will opt for joint custody, as children tend to do better with both parents in their lives. One parent may have the right to decide primary residence while the other is given visitation rights.

What Can a Father’s Rights Attorney Do for You?

As a dad, you likely want to spend as much time with your child as possible. If you are going through a divorce or a custody arrangement, you need an experienced attorney on your side to fight for your rights as a parent.

The Hicks Law Firm is here to represent you in court during custody arrangements and child support agreements. We can help you secure visitation rights or advocate for sole custody if that’s your goal. If you need help with any issue regarding your parental rights, don’t hesitate to reach out today. Call 210-985-8330 or send me an email for a free 20-minute initial consultation from our attorney.