Fathers Rights

Family law can be a complex area requiring measured strategy and execution, and the courtroom is where many life-changing decisions are ultimately rendered. Our no-nonsense approach will work for you. Our talented attorneys ensure you and your case are ready for every public hearing appearance, and through trial if necessary. We will position your case to achieve the highest degree of success that the law allows. At minimum, we seek to obtain at least fifty percent parenting time in every case, subject to certain exceptions.

During the dissolution process, we urge fathers to remember the following:

• As a general rule, do not suddenly move out of the house unless ordered to do so by the court. Our legal counsel will examine your specific case to frame particular advice on domicile and living arrangements.
• If you stay in your house, you MUST steer clear of confrontations that could allow your spouse to secure a court-issued protective order. Documented evidence of abuse is not required to obtain a protective order. Don’t generate the misconduct that would allow a protective order to be issued against you.
• If you are accused of abusing your children, immediately contact an attorney. Do not wait a single instant. And do not speak to anyone, including law enforcement officials, until you have spoken with your legal counsel. Even though you may have done nothing wrong, the application of the laws is not always in the accused’s favor. Judges fear making a serious and a potentially public mistake and often opt in favor of keeping a parent away if a child’s safety could be in jeopardy. How you handle domestic abuse allegations will not only impact your child custody determination, but could also implicate your freedom.
• If moving out is the best option, do not move far from the children and their school. Being outside the school district can make joint legal decision making more difficult. Preferably, do not move in with another romantic partner.
• Your attorney should recommend a written agreement with your spouse’s attorney regarding the children. The agreement should cover where the children will live, visitation schedules and how any child rearing expenses are to be handled during the divorce case and beyond.
• Your attorney should recommend a written agreement with your spouse’s attorney regarding the children. The agreement should cover where the children will live, visitation schedules and how any child rearing expenses are to be handled during the divorce case and beyond.
• Social media evidence has been routinely used against husbands and wives in a court of law, so do not use social media.
• If you have not yet been served with papers, close out joint accounts and cancel joint credit cards and charge accounts.
• Move your financial records to your office or other safe place.
• Change your online passwords and stop using the family computer (your spouse could put a keystroke tracking device on the machine to steal your passwords and infiltrate your emails.)
• Do not speak poorly of your ex to your children. Show respect for them as their parent and it will go a long way in preserving your relationship with the kids.
• Do not use your spouse’s attorney to save money. You need to protect yourself and your future access to your children. When you are sick–you look to a doctor. When you have teeth problems–you go to a licensed dentist. When the future of your children’s health, welfare and happiness is at stake, you have an obligation to retain experienced family legal counsel to fight for your best outcome, here and years down the line.
• Be sure to select a lawyer who has an optimistic view of your case and has a track record for defending parent’s rights. Be wary, however, of lawyers who “guarantee” certain results. Nothing is guaranteed in a court of law.
• Attend ALL depositions, court sessions, etc. – even if your presence is not required.

Leaving your spouse can generate a new lease on life and an opportunity to connect with your children in a new way, or it can be a source of sadness and frustration. Be sure you set the stage for success by arranging divorce and child custody agreements that serve you and your children’s best interests. The litigation team at Canterbury Law Group has significant expertise in father’s rights issues and can capably guide you through. Your children are counting on you to make the right decision. That first step is made when you engage the proper legal counsel to advance or defend your case.