San Diego Fathers’ Rights Attorney

Retain Award-Winning Legal Representation

Are you considering a divorce that involves children, or looking to protect your rights as a father in a custody or visitation case? Contact fathers' rights lawyer in San Diego at Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC. Our divorce and family law attorneys have more than 200 years of combined experience in this field and are prepared to do what it takes to protect your rights as a father.

Call (858) 492-7968 or reach out online to speak with a father's rights lawyer in San Diego about your case.

What are My Legal Rights as a Father in California?

As the biological father of your child, you have a right to raise and spend time with your son or daughter. While mothers have historically been favored as primary caregivers, our team believes that both parents should play an equitable role in the lives of their children and that neither parent should receive preference based solely on gender.

If you are a father going through a divorce, allow our team to help protect your rights as an equal parent. Similarly, if you have been the subject of a paternity action and have proven yourself the father of your child, our team stands ready to help you realize your rights to be involved in raising your child. Without adequate representation, you may find yourself without custody or visitation rights as a father.

Allow our team to vigorously defend your rights to the following in court:

• Spend regular time with the child
• Provide continuing financial support
• Make collaborative decisions with the mother
• Obtain joint custody
• Prevent third-party adoption

Even if you have never been married to the mother of your children, that does not mean that you don’t have rights as their father. It is not uncommon for fathers to have their rights violated simply because they do not enforce them by working with a lawyer.

As experienced San Diego fathers' rights attorneys who are familiar with every facet of this area of California family law, you can trust that we have handled all types of scenarios related to fathers’ rights. If your children are being withheld from you in any way, the time is now to speak with a member of our team.

What Rights Do Fathers Have in California for Child Custody?

In California, custody and visitation decisions are made based on the best interests of the child. Historically, there has been a presumption in favor of mothers when it comes to custody matters. However, California law recognizes the importance of both parents in a child’s life. The legal system strives for arrangements that allow children to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents, unless one parent is deemed unfit.

As a father, it is crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to custody and visitation. There are two types of custody to consider:

• Legal Custody: This refers to the right to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. In California, joint legal custody is common, as it ensures both parents share the decision-making responsibilities.
• Physical Custody: This refers to where the child will live. Joint physical custody allows the child to spend substantial time with both parents, while sole physical custody means the child primarily lives with one parent, with the other parent receiving visitation rights.

California courts encourage shared custody arrangements to promote the child’s relationship with both parents, provided that this arrangement is in the child’s best interests. If you are a father seeking to secure custody or visitation rights, having a dedicated San Diego fathers' rights lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in protecting your relationship with your child.

What is the Role of Fathers in Child Support?

California law requires both parents to contribute financially to the well-being of their child. Child support is typically determined by a formula that takes into account the income of both parents, the amount of time each parent spends with the child, and other factors such as the child's medical needs or education costs.

It’s important to note that child support is not just a financial obligation—it is also a means of ensuring the child has access to the resources they need for their health, education, and overall development. While mothers are often awarded child support, fathers also have the right to seek support if they are the primary custodial parent.

If you are a father involved in a child support dispute, a San Diego fathers' rights attorney can help ensure that the child support calculations are accurate and that the terms of the support arrangement are fair to you.

Is it Possible to Modify Custody, Visitation, or Child Support Orders?

Life changes, and sometimes custody, visitation, or child support arrangements that were once fair and reasonable no longer meet the needs of the child or the parents. When there is a significant change in circumstances, California law allows for modifications to existing court orders. These changes can include:

• A change in either parent’s income, making the current child support order no longer appropriate.
• A significant change in the child’s needs, such as medical care, educational requirements, or emotional well-being.
• A substantial change in one parent’s ability to care for the child, whether due to relocation, illness, or other circumstances.

A San Diego fathers' rights lawyer can help you file for a modification of a custody or child support order, ensuring that any changes are in the best interests of your child and reflect your current situation. Modification requests are common in long-term custody disputes, and having a skilled attorney by your side increases the likelihood that your request will be granted.

Call Our Fathers' Rights Attorneys in San Diego to Protect Your Rights

The relationship between a father and his child is one of the most significant aspects of family law, and the legal system in California aims to preserve and protect these relationships. If you are a father seeking to assert your rights in any family law matter, it is crucial to work with an attorney who is well-versed in California’s laws surrounding fathers’ rights. With the right legal support, fathers can protect their interests, their children, and their future.

If you are navigating a custody dispute, need to establish paternity, or seek to ensure a fair child support agreement, consulting with a San Diego fathers' rights attorney is an essential step. Our team is dedicated to providing the legal support you need to protect your rights and secure your relationship with your child.

Call the San Diego fathers' rights lawyers at Moore, Schulman & Moore, APC at (858) 492-7968 to schedule a consultation today.