Fort Lee Father’s Rights Lawyer
As a father, you might feel that you are disadvantaged in a divorce and other family law issues that relate to your children. While state law is clear that each parent is afforded equal footing in a divorce case or other family law issues, it might feel as though a courtroom is biased against you.
When you are facing a legal battle relating to your rights as a father and parent following a separation or divorce, you should seek the representation of a legal professional. A knowledgeable Fort Lee father’s rights lawyer can help you present a case to defend your legal rights and fight for the best interests of your children.
Equal Rights for Fathers Under State Law
New Jersey Statute 9:2-4, states that “the rights of both parents shall be equal” when it comes to child custody. Even if the law is clear that there is no advantage for either the mother or father in custody matters, in practice, women still tend to receive custody of their children on a more frequent basis than men. This happens for many reasons; however, the most common reason is that courts typically do not like to create significant changes in a child’s life.
For instance, a court is more likely to award custody or create arrangements that are similar to the child’s situation prior to a divorce or separation. Although the roles in a parental relationship have evolved over time, it is still more common for the mother to be the primary caretaker for the children in a relationship or marriage.
Another common reason fathers could receive less time with their children following a divorce or separation is because they might not understand their rights under state law and therefore fail to ask for more time. By working with a skilled father’s rights attorney, dads in Fort Lee can be informed of their rights as a parent and protect their relationships with their children during divorce or separation proceedings.
The Shared Responsibilities of Parents
Under state law, both parents also have an obligation to financially support their children. The state child support guidelines used to calculate child support are generally based on the income of each parent and the amount of time their children spend with them. The custodial parent shares in the support costs by directly contributing to the costs for the home and the children’s day-to-day needs, whereas the non-custodial parent contributes indirectly through child support payments.
In a shared custody situation where the parties have either equal or near equal amounts of parenting time, the child support payment is often significantly reduced. Fathers should understand that the financial support for the children does not fall solely on their shoulders, even if they are not the custodial parent. A well-versed father’s rights lawyer in Fort Lee understands the equal footing granted to both parents in a child custody situation and can ensure that a father is not taken advantage of in a child support dispute.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a Fort Lee Father’s Rights Attorney Today
Your child deserves to have a relationship with both of their parents. State law is clear that men begin with equal rights when it comes to issues involving their children; however, seeking to enforce your rights as a father often requires skilled legal representation. An experienced Fort Lee father’s rights lawyer can fight by your side to protect your relationship with your children. Get in touch with our office today to learn more.
