Pennsylvania Fathers Rights Lawyer

Attorney for Paternity, Custody & Support

If you are facing issues of Paternity, Custody or Support, obtaining legal counsel is crucial. The life and health of your child is both your privilege and obligation to care for until they are able to care for themselves. There is no more important task that you will take on in your lifetime. Whether your issue is establishing a stable schedule of custody time with the other parent, determining a fair financial arrangement, or fighting to have a recognized place in the life of your child, we are here to assist you. Fathers, whether the child was born during the course of a marriage or not, DO have rights. And more importantly, children have a right to have a relationship with their fathers.

Custody & Visitation Lawyer For Dads

Outdated stereotypes no longer dictate custody hearings and the Pennsylvania family courts are genuinely looking for custody and visitation schedules that truly pursue the best interest of the child. There are cases where parents have very ill feelings towards one another and maybe even question a lot of the decisions that the other parent is making. However, except in situations where there is documented violence and / or history with substance abuse the courts will typically lean towards a shared physical and legal custody.

Primary, Shared or Sole Custody for Dads

There are cases where the dad has secured primary physical custody, and even sole physical custody of their child(ren). There is no hard and fast standard for when this is the best choice; everyone’s family dynamic is unique. The courts default is to pursue shared physical and legal custody. To read more about child custody, click here.

Child Support does NOT Automatically Equal Fathers Rights to Custody

One common misconception about Fathers Rights is that they come automatically when you pay child support. Child support is a very simple mathematical equation based on the income of the two parents and how many children they have had. Custody is based on the best interests of the child and the circumstances and availability of the parents. Child support can not be withheld because the child is withheld. The remedy for a child being withheld is filing an action for Custody or Custody Modification.

Establishing Paternity

For children born out of wedlock, the first step to pursing your legal rights as a father is establishing paternity. Paternity is automatically established when the parents are married. Paternity can be established by unmarried couples by filing a “VAP” or a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity”. If the mother does not agree to sign the voluntary form, you can pursue paternity through a court order.

Free Consultation with a Fathers’ Rights Attorney

If you are facing divorce, need to establish paternity or have questions about pursuing Father’s Rights, contact me for a free initial consultation.