Baton Rouge Fathers Rights Lawyer

Baton Rouge Fathers Rights Attorneys

In family law, it is unfortunately common for a father’s rights to be overlooked, especially if the parents are unmarried. However, fathers have the right to fight for custody and visitation if they can establish paternity. Reclaim your rights and make sure that your voice is heard during custody arrangements by working with a Baton Rouge father’s rights lawyer. In the face of legal challenges, knowing you have rights is important.

Rowe & Manning Law Firm, LLC: Helping Families Overcome Challenging Times

While we may work in family law, our clients are also like family to us. For over 15 years, we’ve been committed to serving the local community with our deep understanding of family law in Louisiana. We stand by our clients’ side, regardless of the type of legal hurdles they face.

We pride ourselves in providing heartfelt and effective legal support to the people and families of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We understand what paternity means to you, and we treat clients with respect and compassion throughout the legal process.

How to Establish Paternity

In order to seek legal rights for your child, you need to establish paternity first. This can be done through a voluntary acknowledgment or a court order. If both parents agree on paternity at the time the child is born, they can sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity form at the time of the birth, which gives the father paternity automatically.

If it is unclear whether a man has paternity, the father can petition the court to request a DNA test. This can confirm that he is biologically related to the child and establish paternity. This DNA test can also be done if paternity is contested by another party.

The Rights and Responsibilities of Fathers

Receiving paternity can be a positive, life-changing moment, but it is also important to understand the responsibilities that come with it. Once paternity is established, the father can request custody and visitation rights. They can also provide input on how the child is raised and any important decisions surrounding the child’s life.

At the same time, a child whose father has recently received paternity is now entitled to inheritance, social security, and any health insurance benefits from the father. Depending on the income of both parents, the father may also be required to pay child support.

Regardless of the pros and cons, establishing paternity is essential for the father to be involved in the child’s upbringing and in helping the child thrive with the support of both parents.

Fathers and Custody Rights

Louisiana does not favor one parent over the other when determining custody, and it can be granted to both parents or only one parent, depending on the child’s interests. The court looks at the child’s relationship with each parent and their ability to provide a safe place for the child. It is important for each parent to be willing to cooperate in raising the child in order for joint custody to be effective.

Fathers have the legal right to seek joint or full custody of their children, depending on the family’s situation. Joint custody allows the child to spend time with both parents and helps facilitate each parent’s contribution to the child’s development. Partial custody or visitation rights might be considered when joint custody isn’t possible.

If a father believes they are being denied custody unfairly, they have to prove to the court that their involvement in their child’s life is a positive thing for the child. This usually includes proving that the father has an active role in the child’s life through financial support, emotional care, and physical support.

FAQs

What Rights Do Fathers Have in Louisiana?

Fathers in Louisiana have the right to make decisions about their children’s upbringing. These decisions include where the children receive an education, how they are medically cared for, and where they practice religion. Louisiana law prefers that both parents be involved in their child’s life if possible, even if the parents are not married. Establishing paternity can help fathers gain more rights to support their children.

How Do I Get Parental Rights in Louisiana?

To get parental rights in Louisiana, a father has to establish paternity. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the situation. If the child has not been born yet, then both parents can sign a form acknowledging the father at birth. Paternity can also be established through a legal process that involves DNA testing. Once paternity is confirmed, the father can seek legal custody, visitation, or responsibilities to parent the child, as well as pay child support.

What Factors Do the Courts Consider When Determining Custody and Paternity?

The main factor the courts consider when determining custody and paternity is the interests of the child. Confirming paternity is a good thing for the child because they can then build a relationship with both of their parents. Other factors include each parent’s ability to provide stability in the child’s life, which involves the finances and lifestyles of each parent. If the child is old enough, they might also be able to offer their own preference.

Can Fathers Modify Existing Custody Agreements?

Fathers can modify existing custody agreements if a major change occurs in one or both of the parents’ lives. If a parent changes their living or job situation, this could change how each parent should care for their child. The child’s needs can also change, requiring more or less attention. Modifications typically begin when one parent files a motion with the court to start the process.

Take Control of Your Custody Case by Establishing Paternity With Rowe & Manning Law Firm, LLC

Your rights as a father are important so you can maintain your relationship with your children and have a say in their upbringing. It’s never too late to establish paternity. Schedule a consultation with Rowe & Manning Law Firm, LLC, today to help you secure a future with your child. We can guide you through each part of asserting your rights as a father and help make sure you are not left out of your child’s life.