Explaining Fathers' Rights
For biological, legal and social reasons, fathers face a different set of challenges from mothers. At the law offices of attorney Hugh O. Allen, we have handled fathers' rights issues related to paternity, child custody, visitation and child support for over 30 years in Sacramento, California and surrounding communities.
We offer experienced, caring, knowledgeable and committed service to help resolve each client's legal issues. To schedule an appointment with a caring attorney, call 916-852-0222 or contact us online today.
What Rights do Fathers Have?
In theory, fathers' rights are no different from mothers' rights: they are both entitled to have access to children and they are both expected to contribute materially to the child's upbringing. As a result, both parents have the right to:
- See and raise their children through custody and visitation agreements.
- Make decisions about the child's education, religion and healthcare.
- File a protest if the other parent attempts to move far away with the children.
- File for modifications and enforcements of the child custody and support court orders if the other parent doesn't follow it or if circumstances significantly change.
Step One to Enforce Fathers' Rights: Establish Paternity
A biological father whom the state doesn't recognize as the legal father will receive no parental rights from the state.
Whenever a child is born to a married mother, the state assumes that the husband is also the father. If a child is born out of wedlock, then the father can establish paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form. That gives the father custody and visitation rights along with the obligation to pay child support.
To schedule an appointment to discuss fathers' rights with an experienced lawyer, call 916-852-0222 or contact our firm online today.
This does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
