Des Moines Fathers’ Rights Attorneys

Protecting & Fighting for Your Paternal Rights

Fathers often feel they take a back seat regarding their relationship with their children. Whether you are a divorced father or the legally recognized father of a child whose mother you never married, you retain certain paternal rights by law. Your relationship with your child should never be threatened or diminished due to unfair custody or visitation orders. You also should never be subject to unfair or excessive child support payments. 

If you are in a situation in which you feel your rights as a father have been compromised, you should turn to a reliable family law attorney for legal support. Hope Law Firm’s team of Des Moines fathers’ rights lawyers has assisted countless men in defending those rights before Iowa courts. We understand the important role fathers can play in the stability and care of their children, which extends far beyond financial matters. Our team will fight aggressively to help maintain or restore the rights you deserve and have been granted by law. 

If you're dealing with a legal issue related to your paternal rights, don't wait to protect your relationship with your child. Call Hope Law Firm today at (515) 305-2772 or contact us online to learn how we can help you defend your rights!

Fathers’ Rights in Iowa

The courts always favor the "best interests of the child," and so they do not prefer mothers over fathers or vice versa when determining child custody and visitation rights. Under Iowa laws, fathers have just as many rights as mothers.

As a father, you have the following rights:

• The right to parent your child with appropriate visitation or custody.
• The right to make decisions concerning your child’s overall welfare, medical needs, education, and religion
• The right to a fair and equitable child support order
• The right to petition the court for modifications to child support or custody orders should you or your ex-spouse experience a substantial change in circumstances relating to work, family, or financial situations

How Fathers Can Protect Their Rights in Custody and Visitation Cases

If you are involved in a custody or visitation case, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. In Iowa, the court's priority is always the child's best interests, but this does not mean fathers have fewer rights than mothers. To protect your relationship with your child, consider these steps:

• Keep Detailed Records: Track your interactions with your child, including visits, phone calls, and any shared activities. This documentation can serve as evidence of your active involvement in their life.
• Stay Engaged in Decision-Making: Be proactive in participating in decisions regarding your child's education, healthcare, and general well-being. Courts recognize the importance of both parents being involved in these critical aspects.
• Request mediation if necessary: If you and your child’s mother cannot agree on custody or visitation, mediation can help resolve disputes without involving a judge. It’s an option that can lead to a more amicable arrangement.

By staying involved and taking these proactive steps, you can help uphold your rights while fostering a strong relationship with your child.

How to Enforce Your Fathers' Rights in Iowa

Fathers sometimes face challenges in ensuring their rights are properly upheld, especially in contested custody, visitation, or child support cases. If you find that your rights as a father are not being respected, there are legal actions you can take to enforce them. Here are vital steps to consider:

• File a Petition for Custody or Visitation: If you are not receiving your rightful share of time with your child or the current custody arrangement is not working, you can petition the court to seek an adjustment. The court will assess the situation based on the child's best interests and the case's specific details.
• Request Modifications: If circumstances change significantly (such as a relocation, change in financial situation, or changes in the child’s needs), you can petition the court to modify custody or child support orders. Fathers can request that previous orders be adjusted to reflect current circumstances better.
• Enforce Court Orders: If the other parent is not adhering to court-ordered custody, visitation, or child support agreements, you can file a motion for contempt. This legal tool forces compliance with court orders, ensuring that your rights are respected.

Enforcing your rights may require court involvement, but with the guidance of an experienced attorney, you can ensure your paternal rights are defended and upheld.

Contact Our Des Moines Fathers' Rights Lawyers Today

Our Des Moines fathers’ rights attorneys are exceptionally skilled in helping to defend and protect the rights listed above. Should you need legal support with any of these matters, we will work diligently to help you gain what is rightfully yours concerning your child.

Contact our Des Moines fathers’ rights lawyer today for a consultation and get the legal support you deserve!