Lake Charles Fathers’ Rights Lawyer

Lake Charles Fathers’ Rights Attorney

If a father is dealing with custody issues, it can feel like they are fighting an uphill battle just to spend time with their children. While some believe that courts favor the mother in custody decisions, the courts actually prefer whatever agreement is in the child’s interests. A knowledgeable Lake Charles fathers’ rights lawyer can help you through this process.

Maintaining the Bond Between Father and Child

No matter how unique your family law case may be, the court has the goal of promoting the well-being of the children involved. Our personal experience with divorce, both as an adult and a child, gives us the ability to support fathers when negotiating for custody. At the Godley Law Firm, our experienced family law attorney’s aim to assist fathers who want to stay active in their child’s life.

The Paternity Process

If you are not married to the mother of the child when they are born, then the law does not automatically recognize you as the father in Louisiana. You might have to do more to prove that you are the rightful father, including:

• Acknowledgement of Paternity. This form is filed with the Louisiana Vital Records office through the Louisiana Vital Records office through the Louisiana Department of Health at 3236 Kirkman Street in Lake Charles. This document can be used if both parents are willing to establish a person as the father and give them both the rights and responsibilities of parenthood, and is generally done at the time of birth.
• Paternity claim. If paternity for the child is disputed, the father might have to file a claim in the 14th Judicial District Court, representing Calcasieu Parish. If this claim is successful, the court can order required paternity testing to verify whether or not the claimant is the child in question’s father. If the test confirms the relationship, the court can then issue an order for paternity.
• Request custody or visitation. A father can only request child custody or visitation if they are considered to be the biological father of the child. Having custody is necessary if you want to weigh in on important decisions that impact your child, like selecting one of the 62 schools in Calcasieu Parish for the child to attend.
• Challenge false paternity claims. In some cases, individuals claim to be the child’s father who are not. In other cases, men are named as the father, but they are not the biological parent. In either of these cases, a DNA case can be requested to make a decision. This is important in cases of child support and enforcement. In federal fiscal year 2023, DCFS enforced the payment of $21,988,526 in child support for Lake Charles families alone.
• Birth certificate changes. After a father establishes paternity, they might want to include their name on their child’s birth certificate. This can help with legal processes in the future. The father can request this addition after it is determined that they are the biological father.

If you’re going through any of these legal matters, an experienced paternity lawyer team can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.

Custody and Visitation Rights

Most importantly, Louisiana courts promote the child’s interests when making custody decisions. This includes a variety of factors, the main ones being the child’s relationship with their parents, emotional ties to each, and how able each parent is at providing a stable home for them.

Courts often prefer joint custody if both parents are able to take care of their children. If a father wants custody and visitation rights of his children, he needs to prove that he is active and consistent in his child’s life. At the Godley Law Firm, we can help you assemble the evidence you need to demonstrate your commitment to fatherhood.

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Keep Your Role in Your Child’s Life: Meet Our Fathers Rights Lawyer Today

At the Godley Law Firm, we understand the importance of fathers in a child’s life. We also understand that family situations can be complicated. Let us help you retain your rights as a father and help you develop a legal, workable future for everyone involved. If legal action is needed to solidify your role as a father, schedule a consultation with the Godley Law Firm today.