Lewisville, TX Fathers' Rights Lawyers

Aggressive Attorneys for Fathers' Rights in Lewisville

Fathers have an important place in the lives of children, and a strong child custody arrangement can help to preserve that important role. If you feel that your rights as a father are at risk, the best thing you can do is to seek legal representation to argue your case in a court of family law.

At The Ramage Law Group, we proudly represent fathers in family law cases and custody disputes. When you work with our attorneys, we will keep you informed of your rights and work toward a solution to keep you involved in your child's upbringing. With over 150 5-star reviews, we have earned a reputation for strong counsel and advocacy in highly contested cases.

Do Fathers Have Equal Rights in Texas Child Custody Cases?

Under Texas law, both mothers and fathers start on equal footing when it comes to custody. The court's primary concern is the best interests of the child, which the Texas Family Code instructs judges to evaluate using the factors established in Holley v. Adams. These include:

• The child's physical and emotional needs now and in the future
• The parenting abilities of each parent
• The stability of the home environment each parent can provide
• Any history of family violence or child abuse
• The child's own wishes, if the child is mature enough to express them
• Any programs available to assist the parents with the child's ongoing welfare
• The emotional and physical danger to the child in each parent's care

Our attorneys are highly familiar with the Holley factors that inform child custody decisions. To strengthen your case, we can help you document evidence and call witnesses to show that you are fit to parent.

Why Establishing Paternity Is Important

Even when unmarried parents agree on who the father is, putting that relationship on the child's birth record and securing a court order can be crucial. First, legal paternity gives a father the right to seek custody or possession of the child and to participate in important decisions such as education, health care, and religious upbringing.

Establishing paternity also ensures the child can access benefits like health insurance, veterans' benefits, Social Security, and inheritance rights. From the mother's perspective, establishing paternity can help secure court-ordered child support, making sure the child's needs are met. Finally, a formal paternity determination creates a permanent record that can simplify future issues, like obtaining medical history or resolving disputes down the road.

Can I Change a Custody Arrangement?

A custody order is not written in stone. If circumstances shift significantly—such as a parent relocating, changes in work schedules that affect availability, or concerns about the child's safety—the affected parent can ask the court to modify conservatorship or possession orders.

In order to modify a child custody arrangement, you will need to show that there has been a "material and substantial" change in circumstances since the last order, and that the proposed modification remains in the child's best interest. The process begins by filing a petition to modify with the court that issued the original order, serving the other parent, and attending mediation or a hearing. Since Texas law prioritizes stability, courts will look for clear evidence that the change will improve the child's welfare before granting a modification.

Meet With a Lewisville, Texas Fathers' Rights Attorney

At The Ramage Law Group, we take fathers' rights seriously. If you have any concerns about preserving your place in your child's life, reach out to our firm today for legal assistance. We can advise you of your options and help you pursue the best path forward, while still respecting your child's best interests. To arrange your initial consultation, call our offices at 972-562-9890 or contact our Lewisville, TX fathers' rights lawyers.