The popular belief is that fathers always seem to get
shortchanged in custody (or "legal decision-making")
and other family legal matters. Over the past few decades, however, this
attitude has changed, and in Arizona fathers have equal legal rights
regarding their children.
Arizona law presumes that the child will benefit most from
contact with both parents. In some cases, however, it is still important for
the father to show the court why he should be an active part of the child's
life to establish not only greater access time, but an essential role in
making life decisions for the child.
After a divorce or the birth of a child out of wedlock,
issues of custody and support will arise and may become a large source of
disagreement among the parties. The questions of visitation time, child
support obligations and parental rights are questions that need to be
answered.
We encourage the parties to attempt to work out these issues
outside of a court; however, in many cases this proves impossible as
emotions are understandably flaring. With our years of experience, our
office can hopefully steer the parents back to an amicable agreement that
benefits all, including the child. Similarly, when these issues go into a
courtroom, Bruce Brown can help protect fathers' rights and the best
interests of the children involved.
Whether you are concerned about the time you get to spend
with the child, the rights you have towards the child and important
decisions in his or her life, or about child support obligations, our firm
can help you figure out the best solutions to your particular situation.
Child Support and Visitation
Historically, fathers have often carried a greater burden
with respect to the amount of child support, spousal support and debt
division that occurred after a divorce. Now, the law makes it a priority
that both sides contribute their fair share.
It is also important for a father to establish
paternity of his child right away, so that the
father will have his rights recognized in court and by law enforcement. A
delay in establishing legal paternity could cause a father to lose his
rights and not be able to see the child for significant periods of time.
At the Brown Family Law Group, we understand these issues
and how the legal system works in cases of custody and
parenting time. Bruce Brown has worked with dads and their rights for
the past two decades and will protect your rights and your children's.
See also: Mothers' Rights
and Grandparents' Rights
