Denton County Fathers' Rights Lawyers

Divorce and Child Custody Attorneys for Dads Throughout Texas

If you are a father, you have the right to be treated equally under the law. There is no longer any legal presumption that mothers are - or should be - the primary caregivers of their children. In fact, recent research has done nothing but affirm the importance of fatherhood. Yet, if you are getting divorced from your child's mother or fighting for child custody as an unmarried father, you may be very concerned about being treated unfairly. Your fears may not be entirely unreasonable. Although the law has evolved to give fathers greater protection, statistically, mothers are slightly more likely to get primary custody.

The Ramage Law Group aims to change that. Our dedicated team of Denton County, TX, fathers' rights attorneys aim to level the legal playing field to give fathers an equal opportunity to spend time with and make decisions for their children. We strive to ensure that every legal right is asserted on behalf of the dads we represent. You should not get less time with your child or less decision-making responsibility because of your gender. Our lawyers believe in the importance of fathers and will do all we can to keep you as present and involved as possible in your childrens' lives.

How Denton County Fathers' Rights Attorneys Can Help Unmarried Dads

Whether you were married to the mother or not is largely irrelevant when it comes to deciding on child custody arrangements. However, if you were not married, you may need to take a few extra steps to make sure the state knows you are your child's dad. If the mother is not willing to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity, we can file a court case and help you prove that you are a father. A compulsory DNA test might be ordered if the mother resists.

Once you are established as the father, we can help you assert the rest of your parental rights. We can work to help you get shared - often equal - custody time, and even child support if you are awarded primary custody.

Getting Divorced as a Father of Minor Children

Our Denton County divorce lawyers for dads often recommend going for an uncontested divorce if possible when children are involved. Divorce litigation can expose children to conflict between the parents, while going to mediation can show children that their parents are willing to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the child. Mediation, or sometimes negotiation between your attorneys, can help you agree on a plan for co-parenting after the divorce. Parents can often come up with more creative solutions than a court could.

However, our lawyers are always prepared to take the fight to the courtroom if your child's mother is unwilling to treat you fairly in your divorce. Many mothers expect to automatically gain primary custody and assume that the father will "visit" the children on occasion. Going to court may be necessary if resolving your divorce by mutual agreement would mean sacrificing valuable parenting time.

Two Types of Child Custody in Texas

Child custody is broken down into two components - legal custody and physical custody. Physical custody is the time you spend together with your child. Legal custody is the right to make decisions about your child's upbringing and care. Legal custody includes the right to sign medical consent forms for your child, the right to decide whether to provide religious instruction, and the right to decide how to educate your child.

Contact a Denton County, TX, Fathers' Rights Attorney

The Ramage Law Group is committed to protecting children by making sure they can enjoy a loving relationship with their fathers. Our skilled team of Denton County fathers' rights lawyers will do all we can to maximize the time you can share with your child going forward. Contact us at 972-562-9890 to arrange your initial consultation.