Jourdanton, Texas Fathers' Rights Lawyers

Compassionate Attorneys Protecting Fathers' Rights in Jourdanton

A father's bond with his child is something to be cherished. When disputes about child custody put this bond at risk, securing strong legal representation is a must. A Jourdanton, Texas fathers' rights lawyer can advocate for you in divorce proceedings and other family law matters, informing you of your rights while working diligently to protect them.

At Brandon Wong & Associates, our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in highly contested family law cases. Moreover, Attorney Brandon Wong has been named in numerous honors, including a placement in the Top 50 Family Attorneys by S.A. Scene Magazine. You can rely on our firm to stand by you in a case concerning your rights as a father, fighting to protect your bond with your children.

Why Establishing Paternity Is Important

For many fathers, paternity is established automatically at birth by virtue of being married to the mother. However, if you do not have this presumption of paternity at birth, you will have to go through extra steps to assert your rights as a father.

Establishing paternity creates a legal bond between a father and his child that goes beyond sentiment. In Texas, a father who is legally recognized gains the right to participate in decisions about the child's education, health care, and religious upbringing. Without a court order or a signed acknowledgment of paternity, a father lacks the authority to seek custody rights.

Beyond decision-making, paternity impacts financial support and inheritance rights. Once paternity is established, the child becomes eligible for federal and state benefits such as Social Security survivor's benefits, veterans' benefits, and health insurance coverage under a parent's plan. Moreover, the child gains an automatic right to inherit property from the father. Legally formalizing the parent-child relationship also provides clarity in birth certificates and avoids disputes over identification and benefits later on.

Do Fathers Have Equal Rights in Texas Custody Disputes?

Under Texas law, mothers and fathers start on equal footing when it comes to custody. The statutes presume that joint managing conservatorship is in the child's best interest unless evidence suggests otherwise. Both parents have the right to propose a parenting plan that allocates decision-making authority and schedules for time with the child.

When determining how to split custody, courts will examine factors including the child's physical and mental wellness, each parent's ability to provide a stable environment, and any history of family violence. A father's consistent involvement, history of support, and willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent will weigh in his favor. Demonstrating a proactive interest in the child's welfare through attending school events, taking the child to medical appointments, and supporting extracurricular activities may also strengthen a father's position in court.

Can I Request a Custody Modification as a Father?

Fathers who already have a court-ordered conservatorship may petition the court for a modification if circumstances have significantly changed. Common grounds include relocation of one parent, a shift in the child's educational or medical needs, or evidence that the existing plan is not serving the child's best interests. A father must show that the proposed modification would improve the child's welfare, not merely serve his own convenience.

To initiate a modification, the father files a petition in the county where the original order was entered or where the child resides. The court will consider the existing order, both parents' current circumstances, and any new evidence. It is crucial to present a clear, fact-based argument supported by documentation—such as school reports, medical records, or evidence of a change in household stability. When modification is warranted, fathers can obtain updated possession schedules or decision-making authority that better reflect their child's needs.

Contact a Jourdanton, TX Fathers' Rights Attorney

If you need help protecting your rights as a father, Brandon Wong & Associates is ready to stand by you. To schedule an initial consultation today, call our firm at 210-201-3832 or contact our Jourdanton fathers' rights lawyers.