Fathers' Rights Caring & Effective Legal Advocacy

Los Angeles Fathers' Rights Attorney

What Are A Father’s Rights in California?

In the past, many men felt that they were discriminated against during family law cases and that they were at a disadvantage because of supposed traditional parenting roles. At Claery & Hammond, LLP our Los Angeles divorce attorneys work hard to preserve the rights of fathers. In a system that tends to favor mothers as the primary caretaker for children, you will need every possible advantage on your side, starting with an attorney.

In California as a father, your rights can include:

  • Blocking adoptions by another
  • Caregiving decisions
  • Extended visitation rights
  • Relocation by permission only
  • Rights to vacations, holidays, and school break blocks of time
  • Consistent scheduled contact
  • Traveling rights

Although the family courts are not supposed to favor mothers over fathers, it is important to ensure your rights and interests are powerfully protected during your court proceedings. By having powerful advocacy and smart legal guidance on your side, you will have a much better chance at obtaining the results you desire from your case. An experienced lawyer from our firm can benefit your case by providing the legal knowledge and tireless protection of your rights that you need.

    Looking to learn more about fathers' rights in California? Contact us today! We offer free initial consultations.

    What Part Does ‘Paternity’ Play With a Father’s Rights?

    While married fathers have equal rights to their children in a divorce or child custody case, paternity plays a key role in situations where the child’s parents were never married. The term “paternity” means to legally establish who a child’s biological father is.

    If the child’s parents were married at the time of birth, then the mother’s husband is automatically presumed to be the child’s legal father. When a child is born out of wedlock, the child does not have a legal father until paternity is established.

    Under California law, until paternity is established, a father does not have any legal rights or responsibilities towards his child, even if he knows he is the biological father.

    If the father won’t admit that he is the child’s father by signing a voluntary Declaration of Paternity with the child’s mother, the court may have to order a DNA test to determine if he is the child’s father.

    What are the Advantages of Establishing Paternity in California?

    If you have a child and you were never married to the mother, you will need to establish paternity before the court can make orders for child custody, visitation, or child support. If the child’s mother is willing to sign the Declaration of Paternity with you, then you can proceed from there.

    On the other hand, if your child’s mother is not allowing you to be in your child’s life, or if she’s unwilling to legally acknowledge that you’re the father, you may need to ask the court for a DNA test so you can seek court orders for child custody or visitation.

    Representation for Fathers in Los Angeles Family Disputes

    We understand that when compared with mothers, fathers can sometimes be treated unfairly and are often denied equal preference with their children's mother. If you are involved in the following family law disputes, a family lawyer from our law firm can provide you with the help and legal support you will need during this time:

    Our firm understands that nothing is more important than your relationship with your children, and believes you deserve strong representation before the courts. Our team at Claery & Hammond, LLP can ensure your rights as a father are not violated and fight for your best interests before the family court.

    Need assistance with claiming your rights as a father in California? Contact us at (310) 817-6904 to speak to our dedicated Los Angeles fathers' rights lawyers today.

    Why You Want Us
    On Your Side

    Committed to Each & Every Case
    • Featured Los Angeles Times Family Law Practitioners 

    • We Provide Unique, Tailor-Made Solutions for Each Client

    • We Offer a Free Initial Case Consultation

    • Our Team Has Over 50 Years of Combined Experience

    • Our  Attorneys Handle All Types of Family Court Issues

    • We Solely Focus on the Areas of Divorce and Family Law

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