Understanding Fathers Rights in Texas
Are you ending a relationship with the mother of your child? Are you wondering what rights you have as the father of the child? To obtain fathers rights in Texas, you must be seen as the legal father under the Uniform Parentage Act (Texas Family Code Section 160 et seq.). If you can prove the legal requirements to show that you are the child's father, you have many rights.
The Right to Go After Physical and Legal Custody of Your Child
Under Texas law, the mother and the father have equal rights to be a child's parent. Are you and your former partner unable to reach an agreement on who will be the custodial parent? If is, the Family Court will make this decision based on the best interest of the child.
The Right of Regular Contact
If you and your former partner cannot agree on a set visitation schedule; the court can order a visitation schedule. It will be determined by what is in the best interest of your child.
Understanding Fathers Rights in Texas
Texas courts almost never deny visitation except in specific circumstances. These circumstances may involve abuse, neglect, and criminal activity. Furthermore, it can also relate to any situation in which the child's best interest in not considered. The other parent cannot interfere with your time with your child. Moreover, it is essential to know that if you are behind in child support payments, you still have the right to see your child.
You Have the Right to Be Involved in Decisions Regarding The Child's Education, Healthcare, & Religious Upbringing
It means that you can be involved in all decisions relating to your child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. You have the right to help decide which doctors your child sees. Furthermore, also to determine where your child goes to school and church. Also, it means that you will have the right to access your child's medical and education records as permitted by law.
The Right to Discipline the Child
As a parent, you have the right to determine what type of discipline to implement for your child. However, it must be reasonable discipline.
The Right to Manage the Child's Assets, and Financial & Legal Affairs
The Texas Family Code also allows fathers to be involved in managing all of a child's assets. In addition, it may include earnings or real property. It can also add your child's financial or legal dealings. Also, as a child's father, you also have any other rights which Texas law confers upon parents.
Don't forget that your former partner has all of the parental rights that you do. Furthermore, the court can give any right primarily to one parent. This usually happens if the parents cannot work together to make decisions about the child. As a father, you will always be responsible for providing ongoing care for your child.
Want to Learn More About Your Visitation Rights in Texas?
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