Dallas Fathers’ Rights Attorney

Assertive Representation Aimed at Protecting Your Rights as a Parent

Fathers and mothers often share responsibilities in caring for, supporting, and raising children. Therefore, when parents divorce, the courts should not and do not assume that custody and child-rearing responsibilities should be automatically granted to the mother. Rather, careful consideration should be given to a full range of issues, with the best interests of the children being paramount to any decision.

To talk to a fathers’ rights attorney in Dallas today, call our office at (214) 301-3418.

Child Custody & Visitation Lawyer

Dallas attorney Ellen Schutz provides effective and experienced counsel to clients throughout North Texas. Her comprehensive knowledge of the law and more than two decades of family law experience are utilized in advising and representing the interests of clients in family law disputes.

The Law Office of Ellen Schutz represents clients in fathers’ rights matters involving:

• Child custody and visitation (possession and access)
• Child support
• Paternity
• Child custody and support modifications
• Other family law concerns

Seeking Equal Parenting Rights after Divorce or Separation

Decades ago, when parents separated or divorced, it was the norm for fathers to relinquish custody rights, receive minimal visitation rights, and pay child support. However, times have changed, and it is important to understand that the court’s view of parenting has also changed. Child custody determinations are made in accordance with what is in the best interests of the children, which can be determined after contemplating a number of factors. Visitation or parent access schedules can be creative and tailored to meet both the needs of the children and the schedules of the parents.

It is very possible to obtain equal parenting time when the father has a proven track record of being involved in the child’s life, such as when:

• The father has engaged in making important decisions in the child’s upbringing
• The father has shared in transporting the child to and from extracurricular activities
• The father has shared in caring for the child in the home
• The father has shared in guiding the child, such as through assistance with homework or other activities
• The father has developed a strong parent-child bond
• The father has otherwise demonstrated involvement in the child’s life

Conversely, a father who shows interest in an equal parenting schedule now after having demonstrated years of little interest or involvement in raising the children will likely be seen through the courts as someone who is simply seeking a 50/50 child custody arrangement in order to avoid paying child support.

An effective fathers’ rights lawyer will work hard to understand how you have spent time with your child or children through the years and will work feverishly to demonstrate this thoroughly to the court. Dallas fathers’ rights attorney Ellen Schutz can use her experience and determination to help you assert your interests in child custody negotiations or in trial.

Contact us at (214) 301-3418 for a free initial phone consultation or send a message through our secure online form.