Protecting Fathers’ Rights During Divorce And Family Disputes
If one parent in a divorce is more financially and emotionally prepared to care for the children, it should not matter whether that parent is the mother or the father. If both parents have strong, day-to-day relationships with the children; can provide good, safe homes and ensure family continuity equally, they should each be given an equal share of parenting time with their children. In both New York and New Jersey, the family law statutes were made gender-neutral decades ago. Most parenting experts agree that children do best when they have substantial, positive relationships with both parents. So why do mothers still get the lion’s share of time with the kids?
Attorney Philip Greenberg recognizes that reality has not kept up with the rhetoric. Implicit biases still exist that men are primarily financial resources and women are primarily caregivers. Throughout more than 40 years in practice, Philip A. Greenberg, P.C., Attorneys at Law has been committed to making sure his clients’ children benefit from healthy relationships with both their mothers and their fathers. Fathers’ rights issues are a more complex and niche area of family law. When lawyers who are unfamiliar with this area of the law work on these cases, fathers become more vulnerable to a negative outcome. It is important to work with a knowledgeable lawyer the first time to help prevent a costly mistake. At Philip A. Greenberg, P.C., Attorneys at Law, resolving these matters is an important part of the firm’s practice. Philip A. Greenberg, P.C., Attorneys at Law works to ensure that fathers receive fair treatment during custody, support and other divorce-related issues.
What It Means – And Does Not Mean – To Be A Fathers’ Rights Advocate
Does being a fathers’ rights advocate mean you’re anti-woman? Of course not. As a family law and divorce lawyer, Mr. Greenberg represents both men and women every day. He believes – as so many clients of both sexes do – that courts have no business favoring one gender over the other when it comes to their abilities to support or care for their children financially. The idea behind fathers’ rights is simply that societal bias against men in caregiving roles is harmful to fathers, children and, ultimately, mothers. Recognizing that such biases exist and fighting them is the right thing to do.
When people talk about “fathers’ rights,” they generally mean the right to equal consideration in terms of child custody and parenting. If you are a father, your relationship with your child should depend on you – not on whether you were recently divorced or married in the first place.
For decades, family attorney Greenberg has fought passionately on behalf of fathers in child custody, parenting time/visitation, child support and related issues. He also advocates for men’s rights and gender equality in financial issues. He understands the emotional factors that come into play when parents discuss custody, support and parenting time of their children. He gives personal attention to each case, and he is readily available for clients at their convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fathers’ Rights
Many fathers have similar questions when facing custody battles or family court proceedings. Here are answers to some common questions based on Mr. Greenberg’s extensive experience representing fathers in New York and New Jersey:
What rights do fathers have in custody and visitation matters in New York?
In Manhattan and throughout New York state, fathers have the same legal rights as mothers in custody and visitation matters. The law entitles you to seek joint or sole custody and meaningful parenting time with your children.
Courts are legally required to base decisions on the “best interests of the child” standard without gender bias. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to provide care and stability, the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s willingness to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent, and any history of domestic violence.
How can a father establish paternity and secure his parental rights in New York?
For married fathers, paternity is presumed by law. For unmarried fathers, establishing legal paternity is the first crucial step to securing parental rights. This can be accomplished through voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (both parents signing a form at birth or later) or through a court-ordered DNA test if there’s any dispute.
Once paternity is established, you gain legal standing to pursue custody, visitation and participate in important decisions regarding your child’s upbringing. Without legal paternity, fathers have no enforceable rights to access or make decisions regarding their children, regardless of biological connection.
What legal steps can fathers take to ensure fair treatment in family court?
Preparation is key to ensuring fair treatment. Document your involvement in your child’s life through records of time spent together, participation in school and medical appointments, and financial support provided. Develop a reasonable, child-centered parenting plan before court proceedings begin. Avoid confrontational interactions with your co-parent and maintain all court-ordered obligations.
Consider working with a custody evaluator if appropriate for your case. Most importantly, retain an attorney experienced in fathers’ rights issues who understands the unique challenges fathers face and knows how to effectively counter gender bias.
Protect Your Relationship With Your Children – Contact The Firm Today
Philip A. Greenberg, P.C., Attorneys at Law is truly passionate about this issue. He will work with you to achieve your divorce or family law objectives while keeping your best interests and those of your children constantly in the forefront. Contact Philip A. Greenberg, P.C., Attorneys at Law, by calling 332-262-6760 or reach out via email. He can meet with you in his Manhattan office or in a location convenient to you.