Charlotte Fathers' Rights Attorney

Defending Fathers' Rights in Mecklenburg County

Whether you are a father who is fighting for custody of your child or a father who is seeking to establish your parental rights, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal process and unsure of the best way to proceed. At Rech Law, P.C., we are dedicated to helping fathers navigate child custody cases and other family law matters and work to ensure that fathers are treated fairly and are granted the same rights as mothers in family law matters.

Contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Charlotte fathers' rights attorney.

How Does a Father Establish Parental Rights?

There are several ways a father can establish parental rights in North Carolina. The most common method is when the father is married to the mother at the time of the child's birth. In this case, the father's name will appear on the birth certificate and he will have immediate parental rights. If the father is not married to the mother at the time of the child's birth, he will have to file for paternity to establish parental rights.

In addition, a father can seek to establish parental rights even if he is not listed on the child's birth certificate. This can be done through either a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment or a Court Ordered Paternity Suit. In a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment, the father can fill out a form to acknowledge his paternity of the child. In a Court Ordered Paternity Suit, the mother or a third party can file a lawsuit to obtain a determination of paternity. Once a father establishes parental rights, he will be granted full parental rights and responsibilities, including custody and visitation.

Child Custody in North Carolina

When determining child custody in North Carolina, the court will consider the best interests of the child when making a decision. This means that the court will look at the child's physical, emotional, and intellectual needs and the ability of each parent to meet those needs. When deciding the best interests of the child, the court will take into account the child's relationship with each parent and any other person who impacts the child's life (e.g. grandparents, other relatives, etc.) as well as the child's needs.

While the court will generally grant custody to the mother, this is not always the case. The court will look at all of the facts and circumstances of the case and make a determination based on what is in the best interest of the child.

Whether you are fighting for custody of your child or are looking to establish your parental rights, we can help. To schedule a consultation with our Charlotte fathers' rights attorney, contact us online today.