Westport, CT Fathers Rights Attorney
Fathers often have to fight extra hard to get full custody even when the mother is seen as relatively unfit. Mothers are often viewed as the primary caregivers, and this can be especially true during custody battles. It’s vital that every father understands their rights as a parent, as a time may come when they need to know their options. A Westport fathers’ rights lawyer can help you with your case.
The legal team at Reich & Truax, PLLC, knows the most effective ways to help you put a case together based on your fathers’ rights. The help of a Westport fathers’ rights attorney cannot be understated, especially if you have a looming custody battle ahead of you.
You need a Westport family lawyer on your side who understands fathers’ rights laws and has handled fathers’ rights disputes in the past. The last thing you want is to lose custody of your kids because you didn’t hire the right legal help.
Why Should You Hire a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer?
There are many important reasons why you should hire a fathers’ rights lawyer in Westport, CT. Above all, when you are fighting for custody of your kids, you shouldn’t take any chances. You will want to hire someone with experience, empathy, and strategy. The legal team at Reich & Truax, PLLC, can provide you with a personalized approach based on decades of experience handling family law cases just like yours. We can assist you through your custody battle every step of the way.
According to statistical information collected by World Population Review, the marriage rate in Connecticut is not one of the highest in the nation, at only 47.6%. At the same time, the rate of divorce in Connecticut is also not that high, at only 2.8 per 1,000 residents as of 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Despite divorce not being all that common in the state, that doesn’t mean it has any less of an impact if it happens to you.
It’s not uncommon for a father to fight for his right to be a part of his children’s lives. Still, the fight itself can take its toll on you. You have to take care of your own mental health first, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. You may want to reach out to a local parenting support group like Fathers Rights Movement or Dads Group. You are not alone. Talking to people who are dealing with similar issues can be beneficial to your mental health.
Fathers’ Rights in Connecticut
Under Connecticut state law, fathers have the same legal rights as mothers when it comes to parenting their children. They have the right to seek custody and visitation, even if they are not married to the child’s mother. Fathers and mothers are seen as equal contributors to parenting decisions, and the court expects them to work together for the good of the child. However, that may not be possible. Here are some of the most important steps you can take as a father:
- First and foremost, you need to establish paternity. For married fathers, paternity is generally assumed. However, unmarried fathers are expected to establish paternity themselves. This can be done in multiple ways. At the time of birth, the father can sign a legal form at the hospital that acknowledges parentage. Another way is for the mother to pursue a court order that uses DNA testing to establish paternity.
- Once paternity is established, you will need to address any ongoing custody issues. It’s not uncommon for some fathers to be afraid of seeking child custody due to a fear of challenging the child’s mother and being made to look like the bad guy. An experienced fathers’ rights lawyer can help you build a strong case and do this the right way.You need to remember that you have as much of a right to be present in your child’s life as the mother does.
FAQs
A: In Connecticut, a father has the same rights as a mother. They have the right to be a consistent presence in their child’s life, unless a court order prohibits that presence. They have the right to seek custody and visitation rights, make significant parenting decisions, and more. Both parents are generally seen as equally responsible for financially and emotionally supporting their child. A lawyer can help you secure your fathers’ rights if they are in jeopardy.
A: There is no telling what the average child support payment is in Connecticut. Every child support situation is different, and the total amount that the noncustodial parent will need to pay is determined by many unique factors. To determine child support, the court has to consider each parent’s monthly income, the number of children being supported, additional expenses like health insurance and school supplies, and the duration of the support.
A: Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a father would decide to give up his parental rights. Generally, this can happen when a father is no longer financially able to support his child. The other parent may be able to provide a better home. Fathers who are incarcerated may also choose to terminate their rights. One common situation is when a stepparent adopts the child and the biological father gives up his rights to make it easier for everyone.
A: In Connecticut, there is no specific age at which a child can refuse to see a parent. When it comes to establishing custody and a visitation schedule, the court will generally take the child’s wishes into consideration if they are old enough to have their own thoughts and feelings on this matter. The older a child is, the more their wishes will carry weight with the court.
Contact Us Today
At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we can help you figure out your fathers’ rights and build a solid case. Contact us to speak to someone on our team who can help you.