Fathers' Rights

It is a great privilege to be able to raise and care for a child. It is important to make sure the person who has those rights is well equipped for the position and the social service and court system are entrusted to make sure that is the case. The parental rights automatically go to the birth parents and are only taken if a parent waives their rights or are declared unfit by the court.

A father has rights to his child in regards to financial, health related, educational and legal decisions, as well as the right to seek visitation. Included in this is the financial obligation of the father to provide for his child. This may include child support if he and the mother separate. If the biological mother makes a decision falling under these categories she must also obtain consent from the father. In the event of divorce it is up to the court to place guidelines on the new divided rights of the parents. Though a father may be given visitation rights, those may be limited at the courts discretion dependent on the best interests of the child. In general, the court holds the view that it is best for the child to have a relationship with both parents.

A father must consent before his child is offered up for adoption. His consent is only not needed if he is deceased or his right to consent is taken by the court. A father who is not married to the mother must prove he is the father through a paternity test and that he is actively involved in parenting the child. If a father become aware that he is a paternal father after the child is already adopted, he loses his rights as father. If a father consents to his child being adopted then he actively forfeits any legal rights he has to the child.

To protect your fathers' rights, please click hereand locate a family lawyer in your area.