Fathers’ Rights Attorney – Protecting Florida Fathers
You Deserve a Place in Your Child’s Life
Florida law recognizes that children benefit from strong, consistent relationships with both parents. But for many fathers—especially unmarried ones—asserting those rights can feel like an uphill battle. At The Davies Law Firm, we work with fathers to ensure their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their roles as parents are respected by the courts.
Equal Rights for Dads
Florida Law Does Not Favor Mothers
There’s a common (and persistent) belief that family courts favor mothers when it comes to custody and parenting time. In Florida, that simply isn’t true. The law is clear: fathers have equal legal standing in child custody and time-sharing cases. The court’s focus is on what’s in the best interest of the child, not on the parent’s gender.
Kathleen Davies advocates for fathers who want to be present and engaged parents. Whether you’re fighting for equal time-sharing or defending against unfair accusations, our firm will stand with you to protect your role in your child’s life.
Establishing Paternity
Legal Fatherhood Is the First Step
If you weren’t married to your child’s mother when the child was born, you may not have legal parental rights—even if you’re listed on the birth certificate. To seek custody or visitation, you must first establish paternity.
Florida law allows paternity to be established in several ways:
- Marriage to the child’s mother at the time of birth
- Voluntary Acknowledgment (signed by both parents)
- Genetic testing and court order, typically as part of a paternity lawsuit
Without legal paternity, you may have no enforceable rights, even if you’ve been involved in your child’s life. Learn more on our Paternity page.
Custody and Time-Sharing for Fathers
Fair Parenting Plans Start with Advocacy
Once paternity is established, fathers have the same rights to seek time-sharing and parental responsibility as mothers. This includes the right to:
- Make decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and welfare
- Create a parenting schedule that reflects your availability and bond with your child
- Petition for joint or even majority time-sharing in appropriate circumstances
If your child’s other parent is trying to limit contact without justification, we’ll help you push back. Courts consider stability, safety, and involvement—not gender. Let us help you build a plan that prioritizes your relationship with your child.
Child Support vs. Visitation
These Are Separate Legal Issues
It’s a common misconception that paying child support automatically grants visitation—or that missed visitation excuses not paying support. In reality, child support and custody are legally independent of each other in Florida.
- Paying support doesn’t give you custody rights if paternity hasn’t been established.
- Being denied time-sharing doesn’t eliminate your obligation to pay child support.
However, staying current on child support and maintaining involvement in your child’s life can strengthen your case if you’re seeking additional time or modifications. Our firm can guide you in establishing or enforcing both custody and support orders when needed.
Overcoming Bias and Legal Challenges
Building Strong Cases for Involved Fathers
Although the law is gender-neutral, many fathers still feel the deck is stacked against them. We understand—and we know how to push back effectively.
Fathers may face:
- Allegations of being “uninvolved” or less capable
- Resistance to shared parenting from a co-parent
- Challenges related to relocation, scheduling, or work demands
We’ve helped fathers win joint custody, negotiate fair parenting schedules, and even gain primary custody when circumstances call for it. If you’re facing bias or need to correct a court order, you don’t have to face it alone.
Call to Action
It’s Time to Fight for Your Rights as a Father
As a father, you play an essential role in your child’s life—and that role deserves protection. Whether you need to establish paternity, secure fair time-sharing, or challenge a biased arrangement, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to assert your rights and safeguard your relationship with your child.
