Dallas Fathers' Rights Lawyers

Establishing Paternity to Secure Fathers' Rights

In Texas, a father’s legal rights to his child are closely tied to his paternity status. If a father has not established paternity, he may face significant challenges asserting his rights in child custody and visitation matters. Paternity can be established either through voluntary acknowledgment or through DNA testing.

If a father is not married to the mother,paternity must be established before he can seek custody or visitation rights. Once paternity is legally established, the father gains the right to seek custody, visitation, and parental decision-making involvement. Paternity testing may be necessary if there is a dispute regarding whether a man is the biological father of a child.

Additionally, if paternity is established, the father may also be required to pay child support, which is based on the income of the noncustodial parent. A Dallas fathers' rights lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected, whether you are seeking to establish paternity or contesting an existing child support obligation.

Father’s Rights in Child Custody and Visitation

Fathers seeking joint managing conservatorship may face challenges, particularly if the mother has primary custody. A Dallas fathers' rights lawyer can help fathers assert their rights, whether they are seeking joint conservatorship from the start of a divorce or modifying an existing order.

When it comes to visitation, Texas law allows fathers to seek reasonable access to their children through a structured parenting plan. If both parents are granted joint managing conservatorship, the child may live with one parent during the week and visit with the other parent on weekends, holidays, or during other times based on a parenting schedule.

In some cases, fathers may face challenges obtaining sufficient visitation time with their children. If a father is being denied his rightful visitation, a Dallas fathers' rights lawyer can help petition the court for a modification or enforcement of visitation rights.

If the parents cannot agree on a visitation schedule, the court will establish a standard possession order, which typically provides the noncustodial parent with:

• Weekend visitation (every first, third, and fifth weekend of the month).
• Thursday evening visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Holidays and vacations with the child.

What Are the Obstacles to Texas Fathers' Rights During Custody Cases?

Frequently, both parents are fighting for custody of their children. Suppose your wife refuses to budge on custody decisions. In that case, we will aggressively represent you in all aspects and pursue the best outcome possible to give you continued access to your children post-divorce.

Conversely, it's unfortunately not uncommon for a mother to allege that her husband was abusive or neglected a child to sway the court into believing that the father is unfit to care for their child. Our attorneys have experience with cases involving false accusations of abuse, alcohol or drug dependency, and many more.

Modifying Child Custody and Visitation Orders

If a father’s circumstances change after a custody order is established, he may seek to modify the existing order. This could be due to changes in employment, relocation, or the child’s changing needs. If a father believes that the existing custody arrangement is no longer in the best interest of the child, he may petition the court for a modification.

In Texas, to modify a child custody order, the parent must show that:

• There has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order.
• The modification is in the best interest of the child.

Fathers can petition the court for a change in the parenting plan to increase their time with the child or modify other aspects of the custody arrangement. The court will consider factors such as the child’s needs, parental involvement, and any other circumstances that may affect the child’s welfare.