Parental Rights Attorneys
People facing a child custody or child support battle often are not aware of their parental rights. There are many myths that surround parental rights and family law. That is why it's a good idea to work with a knowledgeable family law attorney.
Parental Rights, Child Custody and Support
In Texas, there is no court preference for mothers over fathers in custody cases. The court may not base its decision solely on the parent's gender. It must consider what is in the best interest of the children.
In the Texas divorce case, Nanci Holley v. David Adams, the court came up with a non-exclusive list of factors to look at in determining the best interests of the child. One factor that the court considers is which parent is more willing to facilitate a positive relationship between the child and the other parent. If one parent is causing parental alienation, the court may weigh that in the custody decision. Other factors include:
- the desires of the child
- the emotional and physical needs of the child now and in the future
- the emotional and physical danger of one parent to the child
- the parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody
The courts consider many factors when determining custody. The lawyers at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd understand those factors and strive to convince the court to do what is in the children's best interest.
Paternity
It is important for unmarried fathers to get the court to recognize them as the child's father. Their rights to child custody and visitation cannot begin until paternity is established. Paternity is also important because it gives the child access to child support and other benefits.
A paternity action can be filed by either the mother or the putative father. DNA testing is used to prove or disprove paternity. If you have been wrongly named as the father, you can file a non-paternity suit.
Contact a Lawyer Today
The lawyers at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can help you work through custody and child support issues. We can also address paternity and fathers' rights. We serve clients in Plano, Richardson and throughout Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties. Please call our office at 972-671-9922. Your initial consultation is free.
