Family Law
Fathers’ Rights
Fathers’ Rights Lawyer in Houston
As fathers’ rights lawyers in Houston, the attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta believe that the relationship between a child and their father is irreplaceable. That’s why we strive to help fathers protect their rights during custody battles. You have the same rights as a mother and deserve all the same treatment—we’re here to help you get it.
While there are no child custody laws in Texas protecting mothers over fathers in custody battles, it’s no secret that fathers still don’t always get a fair shot. That said, a father can get custody in Texas. Often, being able to do so comes down to building a quality case that truly upholds the best interests of your child and preserves your role and involvement as a father.
If you are a father in need of a Houston divorce lawyer for dads, the fathers’ rights lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta are the trusted allies you need during this trying time. Contact a Grimes & Fertitta fathers’ rights attorney online, or call us at 713-224-7644 to schedule your consultation with one of our family law attorneys in Houston or The Woodlands today.
Child custody laws in Texas: Presumed fathers, acknowledged fathers, and legal fathers
Fathers entering custody battles often find themselves asking, “Can a father get custody in Texas?” The answer is a resounding yes. Fathers can get custody in Texas. Each parent has equal potential for gaining sole or partial conservatorship depending on what the court deems best for the child during the divorce proceedings.
The court defines fathers in one of three ways: the presumed father, the acknowledged father, and the legal father.
- Presumed fathers: In child custody disputes and divorce proceedings, a man is considered the presumed father if they are married to the mother of a child born during that marriage and/or continuously resided in the same household as the child and represented to others that the child was his own.
- Acknowledged fathers: What about dads who never married their child’s mother? Does an unmarried father have rights in Texas? According to child custody laws in Texas, a man is the acknowledged father of a child if they enjoy a father-child relationship outside the confines of marriage. An acknowledgment of paternity must be signed in order for an acknowledged father to be legally recognized as such.
- Legal fathers: Fathers designated legal fathers are those who have established paternity status through legal means.
Challenges for unmarried fathers in Texas
Unfortunately, unmarried fathers who have not obtained a legally recognized fatherhood status find themselves at a distinct disadvantage during custody battles.
However, an unmarried father may be able to win full or partial custody if it can be established that the biological mother is an unfit parent for any number of reasons, including a lack of financial resources, poor moral character/criminal status, a strong preference for the father on the part of the child.
The Grimes & Fertitta fathers’ rights attorneys in Houston are skilled at helping fathers establish acknowledged paternity or legal paternity as well as gathering evidence against unfit parents.
How a fathers’ rights lawyer in Houston can help your case
In any Texas custody battle, the court’s final decision is based on one core factor: the best interests of the child. A fathers’ rights lawyer can help you overcome mischaracterizations and lack of marital status.
For example, one common issue Houston fathers’ rights lawyers encounter is that of protective orders. During a divorce, mothers often seek a protective order against their husbands, something they can use to cast doubt on your suitability as a parent during the battle.
As your dedicated advocate, a fathers’ rights lawyer from Grimes & Fertitta can anticipate these obstacles and work with you to build an effective case for your suitability as a parent and your status as a father, navigating the complexities of child custody laws to help you reach an agreement that will work best for you and your child(ren).
Protect your relationship with your child with help from a Grimes & Fertitta fathers’ rights lawyer in Houston
If you are a father who is working through any family law issues, an experienced fathers’ rights lawyer in Houston can help you understand your rights, responsibilities. The attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta know how difficult it can be to be a father fighting for child custody in Houston. We will advocate for your child and treat both you and your family as more than just another case number.
Don’t let your ex-spouse’s lawyer bully you out of a relationship with your children. See where you stand and explore your options by calling Grimes & Fertitta at 713-224-7644 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
Additional Family Law Practice Areas in Houston & The Woodlands