Dads' Rights to Child Custody and Visitation

Men who are interested in learning about their rights as a dad are encouraged to seek legal counsel with a family law attorney in their area. This is usually the best resource for those wishing to learn more about their rights to custody, child support and visitation rights while going through a divorce.

Married fathers who get divorced must work out an agreement with their ex-wife regarding custody, visitation and child support, among other items. If the parents cannot reach an agreement on their own, the Court will act in the best interests of the child in making these decisions.

There are two types of custody that the parents must agree upon, or the Court must order: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers who which parent makes decision regarding the child's life. This may include their education, religious affiliation, healthcare, etc. Joint legal custody is common in divorce and grants the right to make these decisions to both parents.

Men should also speak with their attorney regarding the physical custody of their child. This refers to which parent will have permanent custody of the child, although visitation is usually granted to the non-custodial parent barring certain circumstances.

Unmarried fathers may run into further obstacles regarding their rights to custody and visitation. Unmarried fathers may be required to prove paternity through a paternity test. There are various ways they may go about this, but a DNA test is a common method. Before filing any motion with the Court, unmarried fathers should discuss their situation with a family law attorney.

For more information about their rights as a dad, interested men should seek the legal counsel of a talented attorney in their area. This is usually the very best resource for specific information regarding divorce, custody, visitation and child support, as well as other legal matters involving the family.