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Bellaire Father’s Rights Lawyers Providing Legal Services to Clients Facing Parental Disputes
In the past, many courts viewed mothers as the main caretaker of a child, whereas fathers were considered a provider with less involvement in the process of raising the child. Nowadays, the courts understand the importance for a child to rely equally on both parents, not just economically but emotionally.
Courts now focus on giving equal rights and responsibilities for mothers and fathers, focusing on the child’s best interests. At ALP Law Firm, we help fathers seeking to exercise their rights to have a relationship with their children when parental disputes and alienation become an issue.
What Type of Rights and Duties Does a Father Have in Texas?
The state of Texas recognizes the key role that fathers play in the upbringing of their children, and gives them rights to be involved and make key decisions concerning the well-being of their children, as well as parental duties that fathers are expected to perform. Those duties apply to both parents and include caring for, protecting, and controlling the child; providing basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education, and managing the child’s estate.
Texas also gives parents certain rights. Those include making important decisions concerning the child’s health (giving consent to medical, surgical, psychological, or dental treatments, for example); the right to represent the child in any legal action; the right to make decisions in regards to the child’s education; and any other right or duty existing between a child and a parent by law.
Do Alleged Fathers Have Any Parental Rights in Texas?
Under certain legal circumstances, a man is presumed to be the father of a child, meaning the law will automatically assume that a certain individual is the biological and legal father of a child. That usually happens when a baby is born to a married couple, or when a father who is not married to the child’s mother voluntarily agrees to establish paternity.
However, an alleged father is an unwed man who claims to be the father of a child, but whose legal relationship to the child has not been established. While alleged fathers do not automatically receive the same parental rights and duties as that of a presumed father, an alleged father can register with the Texas alleged father registry. This allows him to receive a notification in case the child he claims to be the biological father of is put up for adoption.
What Should I Do if I Am Being Prevented From Seeing My Child?
If you are the legal father of a child and your ex is preventing you from having visitation time as ordered by the court, you can file for a contempt request. This is an option when you have a parenting schedule set by a court and your ex is refusing to comply with it. A court can then determine whether your ex is in contempt of court or not and issue fines and even jail time if applicable.
The only way a parent can legally prevent the child from seeing the other parent is in extreme situations such as domestic violence or abuse. Generally speaking, the courts will only allow a parent to keep their ex from having contact with the children if that person represents a real risk to the child’s physical and/or emotional well-being.
What Are the Benefits of Establishing Paternity in TX?
Establishing paternity in Texas offers numerous benefits for both the child and the parents, particularly in terms of legal rights, emotional well-being, and financial stability. For the child, establishing paternity secures the legal right to benefits from the father, including:
- Inheritance rights
- Access to medical history
- Eligibility for financial support such as social security, veterans' benefits, and health insurance.
It also provides the child with a sense of identity and connection to both parents, which can be crucial for emotional and psychological development.
For the father, establishing paternity ensures legal rights and responsibilities regarding the child, including the right to seek custody or visitation and the ability to make decisions about the child's welfare, such as education and healthcare. It also allows the father to build a meaningful relationship with the child, which can be vital for both the father's and the child's emotional health.
For the mother, establishing paternity can provide financial support and legal assistance in raising the child. It also ensures that the father shares in the responsibilities of parenthood, which can ease the emotional and financial burdens on the mother.
Additionally, legal paternity establishes a framework for co-parenting, which can lead to a more stable and cooperative environment for raising the child.
Establishing paternity in Texas is a critical step in securing legal, financial, and emotional benefits for the child, ensuring the father's rights and responsibilities.
Don't wait to get started on your case! Contact our firm at (346) 536-9842 to speak to a member of our firm.
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Real Stories From Real People
Guiding Families Through the Legal Process With Compassion
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There are a lot of attorneys who say they will be on your side and when you hire them, they only want your money. This is not the case with Allecia. She made us feel like family and treated us with respect.- Travis L.
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Allecia was able to handle my situation given that my now ex-husband is a narcissist. The more he prolong or delay the divorce process, Allecia was able to work around that behavior to ensure the completion and satisfaction of the divorce.- Jessica T.
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Mrs. Pottinger's attention to detail, application of wisdom, and "honorable" service and commitment saved me hundreds to several thousands of dollars.- Demetrius A.
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I highly recommend ALP Law Firm and Attorney Allecia Pottinger to anyone seeking expert legal guidance in divorce, child custody, or family law matters in Houston.- Brian A.
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ALP Law Firm was very knowledgeable and helpful in my divorce case. Although it was a little complicated, they helped explain things to me and put me at ease.- Chris V.
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I’m very happy with everything here. This a a brutally honest team that will help you understand what is going to happen, as well as what is happening.- Gerald W.
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She is kind, compassionate and fair. I had the pleasure of really getting to know her during my time with her in mediation and she is a beautiful soul, she truly loves what she does and fights hard and advocates for her clients.- Denise M.
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Ms. Allecia was a great help to me when it came to my divorce. I live in Wichita Falls, TX and my ex lived in Houston where he filed. I had to get a lawyer in the Houston area and communicated via email. We got it done.- Kim P.
How Can a Father’s Rights Attorney Help Me?
If you are in the middle of a divorce, child custody, or support battle (for example), chances are you may be dealing with an emotionally-charged situation that may feel overwhelming at times. Even though Texas courts tend to award equal rights and responsibilities to both parents, working with a skilled father’s rights attorney can help you ensure your parental rights are not overlooked. At ALP Law Firm in Bellaire, TX., we help fathers seek fair custody, visitation, and child support agreements while having their rights respected.
Contact our Bellaire, TX office and request a case analysis to see how we can assist you: (346) 536-9842.
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Our Commitment
What You Can Expect Working with ALP Law Firm
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Fierce AdvocacyOur attorneys are relentless in their pursuit of justice for you and your family, employing strategic legal tactics to achieve the best possible outcomes.
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Client-Centered ApproachYou're not just a case number to us. We prioritize your well-being and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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Decades of Combined ExperienceOur team offers unparalleled experience and a deep understanding of family law, to provide you with the best possible representation.
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Empathetic GuidanceWith firsthand experience in navigating complex family law issues, our team offers empathetic guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
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Accessibility and ResponsivenessWe understand the importance of timely communication, and our team is readily available to address your questions and provide updates on your case.
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Providing Service in SpanishWe are dedicated to serving the diverse community in Houston and providing accessible, compassionate legal assistance to Spanish-speaking clients.