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Child custody: When dads get the short end of the stick

On Behalf of | May 26, 2016 | Firm News

Pennsylvania fathers do not always have an easy time asserting their child custody rights. Due to the biological process of having a child, mothers may — for any number of reasons — wish to keep the identity of their children’s fathers a secret. In fact, sometimes the fathers are not even certain if the child is actually theirs, but if the child is theirs, the fathers might wish to ensure that they have parental, visitation and/or custody rights.

In the modern era, the process of establishing visitation and parental rights is not too complicated for fathers in most cases. First, fathers need to establish their paternity of the child, which can be achieved via a court ordered DNA test. These tests are highly accurate and accepted by courts as proof of paternity. Once paternity is established by these means, the father can then submit a petition for visitation rights and even joint custody in some cases.

Pennsylvania courts generally seek to make decisions that are in the best interests of the child or children involved and they generally see the biological father’s inclusion in the child or children’s lives as extremely beneficial. Even in some situations where a father was convicted of a crime, the courts will likely see the value of the father’s participation in the lives of his children.

Are you trying to establish your legal right to be involved in the life of your child? The law office of Palange, Endres & Marks, P.C., may be able to help. We are available to assist you in trying to legally establish paternity and your parental rights.

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