Father's Rights in Divorce and Custody Proceedings

Divorce and custody proceedings are scary and difficult for anyone involved but especially if you are a man who wants to be a substantial part of his child's life. Historically, the courts have awarded children to the mother and have relegated fathers to weekend parenting two or three times per month. In these modern times, more and more often fathers want to be more significantly involved in their children's life and be more that just a Disneyland dad.

Even though this is the 21^st century, and more often, the courts are giving men more custody and visitation with their children, the playing field still is not level. That requires extra preparation and extra attention to details of your actions before, during and after you commence a legal proceeding involving your children.

Childs & Childs understands and appreciates the struggles and needs of our male clients. We strongly believe that children are happier and healthier with involved fathers who are there for all of life's milestones. We will prepare you for your litigation or collaborative experience while focusing on the particular requirements of a man trying to navigate through a divorce or custody proceedings.

Childs & Childs has helped hundreds of fathers like you be more than just a Disneyland dad. Our experienced family law lawyers also deal with stepparent adoptions, paternity issues, DNA testing, domestic partnerships, and very difficult and complex child custody and child visitation matters involving psychological evaluations.

It is 2008 and Childs & Childs is of the opinion that fathers are just as competent and able to raise their children as mothers and that you should not be slighted because you are a man. The attorneys at Childs & Childs are aggressive and firm family law litigators but compassionate and creative collaborators. Whichever path you choose, we can best represent your rights as a father. Contact Childs & Childs now to receive $50 off your consultation so that we can help you ensure your role as and active Dad to your child.

Do’s and Don’ts for Dads in a Dissolution

DO:

Speak to an attorney as early as possible in your proceeding; planning could be vital to your case.

Involve yourself in every aspect of your child's life.

Go to the teacher conferences and talk with your child’s teachers frequently.

Go to your child's doctor appointments and talk to the doctors and dentists about your child.

Encourage your child to have a relationship with both parents.

Spend the time to take a parenting class; you might just learn something about your child!

Learn to become a good listener when your child speaks to you.

Pay your support payments timely if you are required to pay support.

Follow the orders the court makes even if you don't like them.

Prepare yourself for court. Know what you are going to be asked and what you are going to answer.

Report acts of violence or threats made against you, call the police and obtain a restraining order if necessary.

Provide your attorney with all of the documents and names of witnesses that might be able to help you.

Be compassionate and empathetic to your child and his or her needs and place them above your own.

Keep a daily journal for your attorney about the issues involved in your matter.

DO NOT:

Talk too much to your spouse or other parent about your legal plans.

Take any frustration or anger you have towards the other parent out on your child or children.

Commit any act of violence, make any threat of violence or allow a confrontation to escalate, be quiet and go for a walk instead.

Settle for an agreement you don’t feel good about.

Conceal information or documents from your attorney under any circumstances.

Discard any kind of records once you know you will be going to court, and NEVER discard proof of payment for support as long as you live!

Consume illegal substances (even pot!), abuse prescription medications or drink in excess – especially around your children.

DO NOT wait too long before seeking help. Certain matters require quick action or it will be too late for anyone to help you.