Child Custody Rights for Fathers

Fathers have every right to have custody of their children, just as much as mothers do, whether that be sole custody, joint custody or

It is possible for Fathers in Texas to have custody rights.   Furthermore, it is also possible for Fathers in Texas to have sole custody of their child or children. If you are a father that is going through a divorce, you will have to figure out custody with your spouse.

Many people get custody mixed up with parenting time. Parenting time is essentially the time a child spends in the care of the parent. Each parent should have parenting time with their children. Additionally, one of the parents is typically deemed to be the primary custodian or primary custodial parent.

The primary custodial parent is the parent who typically has rights and responsibilities to make decisions and take actions regarding the child that transcends day-to-day parenting time. This includes such things as medical care, education, legal and more. For example, decisions regarding the school your child attends, whether your child does in-school or home classes, and much more fall on the shoulders of the primary custodial parent. In Texas, this is called conservatorship.

Modification the a term used for modifying the custody or the parenting plan. Enforcement is the process of having the judge punish a party for failing to comply with an existing custody order. Enforcement typically involves a fine, probation, jail time, or a combination of these.

Custody Rights for Fathers

During a divorce or separation, the parent should determine what percent of the time the children will spend with each parent.  Furthermore, many other important decisions will have to be made regarding the welfare of the children. All of these decisions should be based on what is best for the children, not what the parents want for themselves, and not based on the parent’s gender.

It is important for fathers in Texas to know that courts are not to make the custody decision based on the gender of the parent.  This is known as gender bias. The Equal Rights Amendment of 1973 states that gender cannot be used as a basis for granting child custody.  Moreover, it is essential that you are fully aware of what your rights are as a father in Texas.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Texas

In order to fully understand how custody works in Texas, it is essential to know what types of custody exist. The three types of custody are legal, physical, and by arrangement.

Legal custody has to do with parents making the right choices for their children regarding education, health, and religion.  The courts in Texas are in favor of joint legal custody.  Joint legal custody means that both parents will be involved in the children’s life. Furthermore, parents will have to work together for the best interest of the children.

Child Custody in Texas

Another term to understand is physical custody.  Physical custody refers to where the children spend the majority of their time.

If you are able to come to an agreement with the other parent on custody, you may come to a custody agreement that you both agree with to have the court order based on.  However, if you are unable to come to decisions on your own, the court will determine what is best.

Protect your children’s ability to have a loving relationship with you. Situations involving custody of a child can be legally complex and emotionally devastating, Fathers Rights can help.  Text or call today to get the help you need.

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Fathers Rights Initiative
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