Texas Family Code defines a child’s “parent” as the mother of a child, a man presumed to be the father, a man legally determined to be the father, a man with established paternity, or an adoptive father. In divorce proceedings, a father’s rights are often a point of contention when it becomes time to decide on visitation. Texas court prefers the child have ongoing contact with both parents, so long as parents can demonstrate the ability to co-parent in the best interest of their child. In this blog, our Katy divorce attorney explains how your visitation rights as a father are considered in divorce proceedings.
Father’s Rights and Duties
As the father of your child, there are typically certain rights and duties you have pertaining to how your child is raised. Some of these rights include the duty of care, the right to make decisions concerning your child’s education, and more. Each parent has these rights, unless otherwise stated or ordered by a court.
Parenting Plans
If you are the non-custodial parent, which is the parent who does not have physical or legal custody of the child, your visitation plan may be a standard possession order. This type of order is seen as the “default setting” from the court, but parents are encouraged to create a parenting plan that accurately depicts an arrangement that will best serve the child’s interests.
How to Protect Your Rights as a Father
The importance of father’s rights is becoming to hit the surface of society and become a crucial turning point in divorce proceedings. At times, some men feel they are at a disadvantage during family law matters because of traditional parenting roles. When the time comes to hire an attorney, it is important to hire a Katy divorce lawyer that truly cares about your and your child’s best interests. Your attorney should be ready and capable of zealously advocating on your behalf.