The end of a marriage is a time of transition and change for the entire family. As a father, you may wonder how this process will impact the relationship you have with your children and the role you have in their life. Fathers’ rights are often a complex issue in some New Jersey divorces, and you may feel that it is necessary to intentionally and tenaciously defend your parental rights and time with your children. Before you do this, however, you will benefit from first having a complete understanding of those rights.
When you understand your rights, you will be in a better position to defend them. Fathers play a critical role in the lives of their children, and you have the right to fight for equitable parenting time and a say in the most important decisions for their lives. Fathers’ rights is a sensitive and complex matter, and if you find yourself in a position in which you need to defend your interests, you do not have to navigate this on your own.
The importance of the dad
Most courts agree that children benefit when allowed to maintain strong relationships with both parents after a divorce. This is one of the primary reasons for the prevalence of shared parenting arrangements or joint custody. It is for the benefit of the child’s mental health and emotional stability to have relatively equitable access to both of their parents. As the dad, you are an important person in the life of your child, and you have the right to pursue sufficient access and parenting time.
Dads have the right to access to their kids as well as the right to influence important matters in their kids’ lives pertaining to religion, education and other serious decisions. In most true joint custody arrangements, parents share both legal and physical custody, which means they share parenting time and decision-making authority.
Your future as a parent
As a parent, you may have a lot at stake for you during your divorce. Your rights as a father and the well-being of your kids are on the line, and it is within your interests to know how to seek terms that are meaningful and beneficial for every member of the family. Before you make any important decisions, you may benefit from seeking the insight of an experienced professional regarding your rights and options.