The family court does not favor a mother or father when ordering child custody and support arrangements. Regardless of relationship status, fathers have the same parental rights to their children as mothers. Knowing your parental rights and responsibilities is the most effective way to protect them and ensure you have the access to your children that you are entitled to under the law.
Failing to take prompt action to protect your rights can lead to losing valuable time with your children. A seasoned Rochester father’s rights lawyer can provide sound guidance, support, and legal advice throughout this process. Let our family attorneys protect your interests and preserve your relationship with your children.
There are many factors to consider when deciding on legal matters involving children, including their physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs. Under Minnesota Statutes § 518.17, the state mandates that family court orders for child custody, parenting time, and child support arrangements must prioritize the children’s best interests. This often includes the following:
The court will also review challenges, such as substance abuse by either parent and histories of domestic abuse. During your consultation, a father’s rights attorney in Rochester can answer specific questions about your rights, the laws, and the legal processes needed to protect your relationship with your children.
The family courts in Rochester usually order custody arrangements under two primary categories, which a father’s rights attorney can help explain.
Legal custody of minor children refers to the right to make vital decisions about a child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious or spiritual upbringing. The court may grant one individual sole legal custody or give both parents joint custody to make those decisions together.
Physical custody refers to where the child lives. The court may grant one person sole custody or joint custody to both, meaning the child spends substantial time with both parents.
A lawyer from Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office, Chtd. can help you assert your rights as a parent by establishing custody.
Parenting time refers to the scheduled time that children spend with each parent. When two people share children after separation or divorce, they establish a formal arrangement for dividing the child’s time. This arrangement aims to ensure the minor children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents, even when they no longer live in the same residence.
The schedule establishes clear guidelines to provide stability and minimize conflicts. Parenting time agreements outline specific days, times, and holidays when the child will be with each parent. However, when scheduling conflicts or issues arise, the court aims to allow flexibility to accommodate the parent’s circumstances and the child’s needs.
Parenting time is the practical implementation of how parents share their responsibilities and time with their children after divorce or separation. A father’s rights lawyer in Rochester can help prepare parenting agreements and negotiate with the other party’s legal counsel to reach the best outcome.
Child custody arrangements can often be a highly emotional and stressful court matter, and failing to take steps to protect your parental rights can have lasting negative consequences. The family courts have no preference between the mother and father. Instead, they make decisions based on the children’s best interests.
A hard-working and seasoned Rochester father’s rights lawyer can help you through the legal process and fight for the best outcome for you and your children. Call us today to schedule a consultation and begin working on your case.
