Washington Fathers' Rights Attorneys
Ensuring Fair Treatment for Men in Family Court
In the past, family courts were notoriously biased against men. For many years, the court system assumed that women should retain child custody and fathers should pay child support and spousal maintenance (alimony).
Fortunately, most judges today find such assumptions absurd. Most Washington family courts are driven by the child's best interest, not archaic stereotypes of men's and women's roles.
The court will not assume that a mother deserves custody; instead, it will determine which parental situation is best for the child. Similarly, the court will not assume that men should always pay spousal and child support, allowing men to receive payment.
Are you fighting for your parental rights? Call McKinley Irvin today at (206) 625-9600 or contact us online to meet with our experienced Washington fathers' rights attorneys!
Do Fathers Have the Same Rights as Mothers?
Fathers are entitled to parental rights as mothers regarding family law matters like child custody, visitation, and child support. Fathers also have a right to participate in how their child is raised, including where they go to school, their religious upbringing, and other essential aspects of their lives. However, many unmarried and divorced dads must go to court and initiate custody cases for their parental rights to be recognized.
How Do Unmarried Fathers Obtain Parental Rights?
Unmarried fathers need to establish paternity before they can enact their parental rights. Both parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form at the birthing center or hospital after their child is born. It can also be signed later at the Division of Child Support office or health department.
Unmarried fathers can also file a “Petition to Establish Parentage” if the child's paternity is in question or disputed. This will initiate court proceedings to get a judgment on who should be named the child’s legal and biological father.
What If I Am Not the Child’s Biological Father?
Even if an individual is not the biological father of a child, they can still defend their rights as a de-facto parent.
Non-biological fathers must prove the following to secure their parental rights:
- They consistently provide care for the child
- The child has lived with them for a significant period
- They undertook full responsibility for the child without the expectation of financial compensation
Can a Father Receive Child Support?
If paternity has been established, then the father can be awarded child support if they are named the custodial parent and are responsible for the costs associated with raising the child. Child support can cover food, housing, clothing, medical care, daycare, and education expenses.
Contact Our Washington Fathers' Rights Lawyer Today
McKinley Irvin's attorneys understand men's unique issues in family court. We are zealous advocates for all our clients, regardless of gender. This commitment demonstrates our deep dedication to providing the best client service to every client and our respect and dedication to our roles as lawyers in the justice system.
For additional information about our lawyers, please visit their unique profiles.
Protect your rights as a father. Contact our Washington fathers' rights attorneys now for dedicated legal support!
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