The importance of parental rights

Under Texas law, the rights of mothers and fathers are equal which is important to note. Fathers may sometimes feel during the divorce, child custody and child support process that their rights are threatened which is why they should understand that their rights are viewed as equal according to family laws in the state and should also know how to protect those rights.

Fathers going through a divorce or child custody or child support dispute are likely concerned about protecting their interests which includes access to their children. All child custody determinations and other family law decisions are made based on what is in the best interests of the child and that is helpful to keep in mind. Life can change dramatically for everyone following a divorce so it is also useful for fathers to be familiar with what they may be able to expect related to child custody and child support.

When parents are facing a divorce, it may mean changes for a stay-at-home parent, either a mother or a father, and both parents may be required to seek employment and childcare which may not be the same concerns they had prior to the divorce. The divorce process helps families through these difficult divorce-related challenges by addressing support issues and standard of living concerns as much as possible. Regardless of the situation, child custody may be one of the primary concerns on the lists of both parents.

Fathers may have concerns if they were not the primary caretaker of the child that they will not be able to successfully pursue joint custody of their children and remain involved in their lives to the degree they want to be after the divorce. In addition, they may be concerned that they cannot afford child support. In both situations it is important to be involved in the lives of their children and be able to demonstrate their involvement. Fathers’ rights can be a challenging, yet overwhelmingly important, issue during divorce which is why trained guidance throughout the process may also be beneficial.


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Author: On behalf of Katie L. Lewis of Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law