Fathers have custody and visitation rights. In fact, they have rights equal to the mothers of their children regarding who the child lives with and who cares for the child. Once paternity has been established, a father can be involved in his child's life and has all of the rights and responsibilities that go along with it.

There are many examples of fathers who neglect their rights and responsibilities regarding paternity. However, even though these are the fathers who are showcased, they are not the majority or even the typical. There are many fathers who love and care for their children and want to be part of their children's lives.

In order for a father to claim custody rights, paternity has to be established. If the father was married to the mother when the child was born, he is automatically granted paternity. If the parents weren't married, a father can claim paternity at the hospital when the child is born. If the mother contests the paternity, or the father wants to claim it later, paternity can be established by a simple DNA test.

Once paternity has been proved, a father has rights to custody and visitation. He and the mother can work out a custody and visitation schedule. If they are able to work out a schedule then can take it to the court and have it accepted as a court order. If the mother isn't willing to cooperate with the father, the father can file for custody and both sides will present their case. The court will then make the final decision about a custody and visitation schedule.

Along with visitation, a father has the right and responsibility to care for his child. In many places, a father with less visitation time will pay child support to help care for his child. Make sure you are paying the proper amount of child support by knowing the exact time-share percentage that each parent has with the children. The more time you have with the child, the less child support you should pay.

Fatherhood is a wonderful thing, and there are many fathers out there who have loving relationships with their children. If you have paternity over your children, stand up for your rights to be involved with them. This benefits your children and yourself.

Learn more information about the rights and responsibilities associated with paternity and discover how to use Custody X Change to stand up for your father's custody rights.

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