State law does not favor mothers’ rights over fathers’ rights. However, that does not always necessarily mean that a father’s rights will be protected without support. Whether you are navigating a custody dispute, trying to establish paternity, or dealing with other issues related to parental rights, a Gastonia father’s rights lawyer can help you protect your rights and ensure that the best interests of the child are taken into account as you work toward a fair outcome.
Contact our dedicated family attorneys today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Establishing paternity protects fathers in one of two key ways. If the father establishes that the child is his, he typically has visitation or custody rights, and the mother may not have the right to keep the child from him. On the other hand, if a man establishes that he is not the father of a child, he may not have to pay child support or meet other obligations. A knowledgeable Gastonia father’s rights lawyer can guide you through this process to protect your parental rights and ensure your legal obligations are clear.
Child custody involves complex considerations based on the specific needs of the child. Courts do not automatically award primary custody to the mother in a divorce or related dispute. Instead, judges assess what arrangement serves the child’s best interests and structure custody or visitation accordingly. This assessment may include factors such as:
Even in cases where the father does not receive direct custody, they generally have the right to play a significant role in the child’s life. A father’s rights lawyer in Gastonia could fight to protect the father’s rights and ensure that any custody agreements reflect the best interests of the child.
Child support involves a case-specific calculation that considers who has primary custody, each parent’s child-related expenses, and both parents’ income. It does not subsidize a parent’s living arrangements or unrelated costs; instead, it ensures the child’s needs are met and that their standard of living reflects what it would have been if both parents remained together. Still, disputes over child support are common. A Gastonia father’s rights attorney could advocate for the father’s interests and ensure his financial responsibilities are fairly assessed.
When men are considering adopting a child, including their stepchildren, a Gastonia father’s rights attorney could help them determine whether adoption is the right step for their family, what rights they will have, and how to move forward with the adoption process.
If you are dealing with custody, visitation, or support challenges related to your child, working with a Gastonia father’s rights lawyer can prove essential. A lawyer could help ensure that your rights are protected, whether that means helping you enforce a child custody agreement or fight for a fair visitation schedule. At the Law Offices of Regina M. Taylor, we understand the challenges that can come up when assigning custody and managing disputes, and we strive to help our clients protect their rights.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
