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6 Ways an Experienced Father’s Rights Attorney Can Strengthen Your Case

Apr 6, 2021 | Child and Spousal Support, Child Custody, Child Support

If you’re going through a divorce that includes a custody battle, you may be wondering how to make sure you get the best deal possible for both you and your children. An attorney knowledgeable in father’s rights can help you strengthen your case both before the hearing and in court, no matter how complicated your situation is. What’s more, they can navigate the state and regional laws in Houston and Sugar Land, TX, so it’s best to choose someone who knows the local area.

6 Ways an Experienced Father’s Rights Attorney Can Strengthen Your Case

1. Analyzing Your Case

All divorces are messy, and you may not be completely clear on what your rights and responsibilities towards your children are. That’s why the first thing a competent attorney will do is to collect all relevant information and analyze your case. At your initial consultation, you will discuss your situation and what you hope to achieve.
Your attorney will let you know what a realistic outcome looks like, as well as come up with an action plan to achieve the best possible result for you and your family. That way, you can go into the process knowing what to expect and how to best lay out your case.

2. Providing Reassurance and Support

Most fathers who go through a divorce have never been in this situation before, so they may feel confused, upset, and insecure about the future. You may also be conflicted about going up against your ex-spouse in court. This can affect not only the quality of your life but also the outcome you are likely to receive. Without being able to analyze your situation rationally, you are likely to get an inferior result.

That’s where an experienced attorney comes in. Such a professional will have witnessed countless similar situations and be able to provide the support you need. Your chosen lawyer can reassure you during your case, but also view the situation rationally without being clouded by emotions. This allows them to help you lay out your case in a more positive light.

3. Assisting You During the Hearing

The hearing is likely to be the most stressful part of the process. This is where you’ll need a lot of support, as you might not have been to court before and you may not know what to expect. Your lawyer will discuss the process beforehand and figure out a suitable strategy for the hearing. Having a trusted professional by your side can keep you calm and collected on the day.

4. Establishing Paternity

When both parents agree that you are the father of the children in question, you can establish paternity voluntarily, which means that you sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. However, the mother of the children may indicate that you’re not the biological father in certain cases. In Texas, the court may issue an “order adjudicating parentage”, in which case you’ll have to prove your paternity by taking a test.

This situation can make the custody case even more complicated.  It is highly advisable that you hire an experienced attorney if your paternity is being disputed so that any further delays and issues can be resolved quickly.

5. Dealing With Child Support

In addition to your rights, your chosen attorney will likely also discuss your responsibilities, which are primarily related to child support. You may already know what your ex-spouse is expecting, or you may have been left in the dark. Because your lawyer has dealt with many similar cases, they will be able to anticipate the demands of the other side and speak to you about whether you are able to meet them or not.
In case you think you will have trouble paying child support, your lawyer may be able to negotiate on your behalf. What’s more, the payments are reviewed every three years, so you might be able to pay less in case your situation changes, for example, if you have another child later on. An attorney can help you to navigate this tricky field, making sure that the amount you pay is fair to both you and your children.

6. Following the Local Rules in Sugar Land, Texas

Hiring an experienced attorney who regularly deals with father’s rights cases in the local area can help you to navigate the complex laws surrounding your rights and responsibilities.
To make sure you’re getting the best solution possible, hire someone who’s been working in the local area for a long time and who has successfully handled similar cases before. This way, you will be sure that your chosen attorney is familiar with all the state and regional laws/rules and will be able to guide you correctly. In some cases, your attorney may also know the opposing counsel and the judge, which could allow them to negotiate more successfully.

In the majority of child custody cases, it’s advisable to hire an experienced fathers rights attorney to make sure you can get the outcome you deserve. If you live in the Houston or Sugar Land, TX area, contact Skillern Firm to discuss your case and set up your initial consultation. Our dedicated team of attorneys will be able to help you fight for your rights and those of your children.