What Exactly ARE a Father's Rights?
Whether during the custody dispute or during the child’s upbringing, the father’s rights are not a surprise.- Being able to spend time with his children
- Being involved in his children’s lives
- Having equal participation in parenting, including where they live, go to school, and church
- Having equal access to medical and school records
- Having equal say in medical decisions
- Having the ability to parent or discipline his children without interference from their mother
Of course, when a father wants equal rights to his children, he will also have to equally share in all of the responsibilities of raising them, including financial support. The challenge is that many mothers don’t seem to have to worry about losing their custody, as they are more likely to win full custody of the children. Fathers should have an equal right, but it can be hard to get this accomplished than it should be.
Father’s Rights Statistics
- In the spring of 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that an estimated 13.7 million parents had custody over children whose other parent lived somewhere else. Of these custodial parents, only one in six were fathers, which is about 17.8%.
- Of the 17.8% of fathers who were custodial parents in 2010, 18.8% of them were living below the poverty level. And, while there was a higher percentage of custodial mothers living below poverty, mothers were also less likely to be employed than custodial fathers and more likely to receive public assistance.
- The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly half of the fathers without any visitation rights still financially support their children.
- In 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that only 28.8% of custodial fathers received child support either through an agreement or award; while 53.4% of custodial mothers received support.
- According to data collected in 2014 by the U.S. Census Bureau, out of the 7,282 custodial parents who weren’t receiving child support, 1,128 of these were custodial mothers who said they didn’t want their child(ren) to have contact with their father.
Father’s Rights in Missouri
In Missouri, when determining who will be awarded custody and whether it will be sole or joint custody, the judge will consider these factors:- The wishes of the parents and their proposed parenting plans
- The child's need to have a meaningful relationship with both parents, as well as the parents' willingness and abilities to facilitate that
- The interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and others who may impact the child's best interests
- Which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and meaningful contact with the other parent
- The child's adjustment to school, home, and community
- Any history of abuse, as well as the mental and physical health of all parties
- The wishes of the child
- The intention of either parent to relocate
Need a Family Lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks?
The legal aspects of family law can be highly complex and highly sensitive and emotional because of the personal nature of the disputes. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney—with the ability to listen and counsel clients, investigate and negotiate cases, to defuse conflict, and, when necessary, to litigate a case—is important to a successful outcome of a family law case.Gibbons Law Firm assists clients with all types of family law cases. We are committed to providing legal counseling and advice that clients need in such disputes. Find out more about how we can assist you by contacting our Firm and making an appointment today.
Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.
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Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
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