If you have parted ways from your child’s mother, one of your main concerns may be seeking custody. As state law is not partial to the mother or father in child custody cases, your child’s best interests will always remain at the forefront of the court’s decision to award custody, visitation, or other parental rights.
If you are unsure of your parental rights, you should speak with a New Haven father’s rights lawyer who can offer in-depth legal insight into your case. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help you navigate the legal processes involved in establishing your rights in court.
When a father is married to the mother at the time of their child’s birth, paternity is automatically established. If the parents remain unmarried, the father must prove paternity before seeking custody rights, visitation, or child support. There are a few ways to establish fatherhood in the state of Connecticut.
If two parties disagree on the issue of paternity, the father may file a petition. The court will typically order both parties to submit to a DNA test, and make a judgment regarding paternity. If the DNA test is positive, the father can file for custody and support as the child’s legal parent.
A father may also establish parenthood by signing an acknowledgment of paternity, along with the mother. This straightforward method of establishing fatherhood enables the court to determine the parent’s custodial rights and eligibility for support, visitation, or other matters of concern. An acknowledgment of paternity document becomes irrevocable two months following the date it is executed. A father’s rights lawyer in the area can advise parents on the best method for establishing paternity in their particular case.
Once paternity is established, numerous rights and responsibilities may be afforded to a father. A legal parent has the right to request visitation or custody of their child.
While the court generally prefers to maintain the involvement of both parents in the child’s life, this is not always the case. As such, primary custody may be awarded to the father if it is in the child’s best interest.
Depending on the financial situation of both parties, a father may have the right to seek child support or the obligation to pay the other parent. The court may order a father to pay support or any other expenses associated with the child’s upbringing, such as healthcare or schooling. A local attorney can work to preserve a father’s rights to child custody or support amid these complex court proceedings.
As a father, you have certain rights regarding the upbringing of your children. If you have questions about establishing paternity, seeking custody, or requesting child support, a New Haven father’s rights lawyer can guide you through your case.
The dedicated attorneys at our firm can advocate for you and defend your parental rights. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a family lawyer.
N/a
