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Going through a divorce is stressful enough, let alone having to fight for custody or visitation rights. Many men are worried they don’t have a lot of rights, but that actually isn’t the case. Here, the lawyers from Best & Westover Law in Kalispell, MT, discuss a father’s rights when it comes to child custody cases.

Lawyers Explain a Father’s Child Custody Rights

1.  Sole or Joint Custody

Today, the importance of a man’s role in his children’s lives is widely acknowledged. As a father, you have the right to seek child custody and collect support from the other party. If the mother is unfit or isn’t able to provide for the children, you have the right to petition the court for sole custody. With sole custody, you are in charge of making all the decisions about your kids’ welfare. The other party can have visitation rights, but they cannot make decisions affecting the children’s well-being.

In cases where both parents are fine and you simply couldn’t get along with each other, you can petition for joint custody, which allows you both to have a say in what goes on with the children in terms of health care, schooling, and so on.

2.      Visitation

lawyerIf you aren’t awarded custody, you are still entitled to parenting time. A lawyer can help you negotiate so you get the opportunity to spend ample time with your children. Schedules are often broken down into every other weekend and a few weeks during the summer. Holidays will also be negotiated as part of the court order.

3.      Adoption

If the mother wants to put the child up for adoption, you have the right to be notified, especially if paternity has already been established. She cannot put the child up for adoption without you agreeing to it and signing off on the paperwork. You have the right to fight for custody and the termination of the mothers’ rights so you can raise the child on your own. Your lawyer can walk you through the specifics involved and help you get sole custody.

If you have any questions about what your rights are as a father, you can discuss them with a family law attorney. Best & Westover Law in Kalispell, MT, has helped countless individuals like yourself achieve positive outcomes in child custody cases. Call (406) 752-8731 for assistance.

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