Long before modern research confirmed the value of fatherhood, essayist Michel de Montaigne wrote movingly about his own father’s kindness, guidance, and deep love for his son. His words reflect what many of us know firsthand: a strong, nurturing father is essential to a child’s well-being. Yet even today, courts sometimes minimize a father’s role when deciding custody. That’s why having an experienced fathers rights lawyer on your side is so important.
A Father’s Worth
A growing body of evidence suggests that the presence of a caring father helps children strive. As a matter of fact, a recent University of Virginia study suggests that these benefits are downright biological: Fatherhood affects child development at a cellular level.
Children with an active father in their lives tend to experience better outcomes across many areas. They demonstrate:
- Stronger self-control and behavior management
- Lower risk of involvement in crime
- Higher levels of educational achievement
- Better employment opportunities
- Improved physical and mental health
- Healthier, more stable relationships
Government organizations are coming around to the facts, as well. For example, New York’s Office of Children and Family Services has gone so far as to create a dedicated fatherhood initiative. And New York’s Parental Equity Act, passed in 2022, states that courts can’t discriminate against unmarried fathers in child custody hearings.
What this all means is that fatherhood is being taken more seriously in the eyes of the law, helping ensure fathers have a fair say in raising their children.
Can a Fathers Rights Lawyer Help Me With Custody Concerns?
Courts tend to side with the mother when awarding child custody. This trend is changing thanks to growing awareness that children thrive when both parents are actively involved. All the same, many fathers seek out experienced attorneys like Michelle Cimino to ensure their voices are heard, especially when it comes to concerns about custody.
A court can grant a parent sole custody of a child, or insist that parents share custody. A non-custodial parent generally retains certain visitation rights. Technically speaking, New York recognizes several different types of custody:
- Joint custody: Allows parents to share the custody of a child more or less equally
- Legal custody: Grants you the right to make important decisions for a child, such as the school they attend and the medical care they receive
- Physical custody: Decides which parent the child lives with
- Temporary custody: Gives custody to one parent while the divorce is finalized
Courts award custody based on various considerations, such as:
- Child preference
- Childcare routines
- Domestic violence charges (if applicable)
- The health—physical and mental—of both parents
- How the parents treat one another
- Parental work schedules
- The relationship the child has with other family members
A judge may also take into account which parent was the primary caregiver during the couple’s time together. Traditionally, this has been the mother. But according to the Pew Research Center, the father-as-caregiver role is on the rise. Therefore, it’s more urgent than ever that lawyers stand up for fathers rights during divorce proceedings.
What Else Can a Fathers Rights Lawyer Do for Me?
You want to be there for your children, but proving that to a court isn’t always easy. Fortunately, Michelle Cimino is here to guide you, helping to:
- Defend your custody and visitation rights
- Enforce court orders regarding your parental rights when the other parent violates or ignores them
- Determine fair child support rules
- Advocate for your ability to relocate, if needed, while maintaining your rights to custody or visitation
Bear in mind, however, that parental rights aren’t set in stone. There are grounds for terminating or altering custodial arrangements. This means that, even if a court initially denied your custody request, things could change to your benefit down the line.
Are You a Father in Need of Help? Contact Us Today!
Fatherhood is one of life’s great joys. It shouldn’t be stripped from you, nor should your children be deprived of an attentive, compassionate father. It’s in your interest—and theirs—that you hire an experienced fathers rights lawyer to advocate for your family.
Contact us at the Cimino Law Firm for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you fight for your place in your children’s lives.
