Fairview Fathers' Rights Lawyers

Divorce Attorney for Dads in Collin County, TX

Getting divorced when you are a father of minor children can be frightening. You have likely heard a fair amount of "horror stories" about dads being treated unfairly in court and losing precious time with their children because the mother was assumed to be the primary caregiver. However, in Texas family law courts, moms and dads are to be treated equally under the law. You are no less of a parent and certainly no less of a caregiver just because you are a man. Courts have come to understand the impact a present and active father can have on a growing child. As child custody is all about the child's best interests, courts nearly always want to safeguard the father-child relationship.

At The Ramage Law Group, we believe in the importance of fatherhood. Countless studies have shown that children flourish when their dads are a part of their lives. We are committed to protecting the critical relationship you share with your child—or helping you establish one if you still need to prove your paternity. We help fathers who are getting divorced as well as fathers who were not married to their children's mothers.

Divorce Lawyers for Dads Serving Fairview, TX

Divorce can be more challenging for parents than for childless spouses. For most fathers who are going through a divorce, child custody is their number one priority. Although it used to be true that mothers were heavily favored in family law courts, the Texas legislature has changed its way of thinking in these matters. You can reasonably expect to be treated the same way as the mother when the court begins making decisions about both physical custody (the time you spend with your child) and legal custody (the right to make decisions about how your child should be raised).

You also have the opportunity to work with the mother outside of court and come to an agreement about how you will share parenting duties. An uncontested divorce can be less costly and faster than divorce litigation. It can also keep the child away from any conflict between you and give them a sense that you are still willing to work together for their benefit. Our Fairview divorce attorneys can guide you and your spouse through mediation or attorney-driven negotiation to prevent a courtroom battle.

Paternity and Child Custody for Unmarried Fathers

In recent years, it has become very normal for people to become parents without being legally married. The easiest way for an unmarried father to make sure he is recognized as his child's legal parent is to have the mother sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. However, a Collin County paternity lawyer can help you assert your legal fatherhood even if the mother refuses to acknowledge paternity. We can file a petition to adjudicate paternity in court.

The mother may or may not appear for the paternity hearing. You will likely be declared the father if she fails to appear. If she does appear and continues to state that you are not the child's father, the judge can force her to submit to a DNA test. If the DNA test shows that the child is your child, you will be declared the father over her objections.

Once you have established paternity, we can help you begin the fight for child custody. We can assert your right to spend quality time with your child and your right to make certain decisions about their upbringing and healthcare. Fathers who win primary custody may even be able to collect child support.

Contact a Fairview Fathers' Rights Attorney

The Ramage Law Group is committed to protecting the rights of fathers in Texas. Our experienced team of divorce and child custody lawyers will do all we can to ensure that you are treated fairly in court. Contact us at 972-562-9890 to consult with a lawyer.