Fighting for your role as a father can feel overwhelming. Texas courts no longer lean automatically toward maternal preference, but getting fair treatment still takes strong legal action. Life’s toughest moments often hit close to home, and if you’re a father in a family law dispute, you might be dealing with the pain of missing out on valuable custody time, unfair support orders, or even feeling shut out of your child’s life.
Here at Jackman Law Firm, we know how hard it can be to face these challenges.
Our Commitment to Houston Fathers
Since our start in 2014, Jackman Law Firm has been all about winning for our clients. We have worked hard to build a track record of getting good outcomes in family law matters. We care about each case and stand with fathers when they need a strong, reliable partner. Our history in family law and estate planning is reflected in the way we treat every case with care and urgency.
We believe that fathers should have a clear voice in the legal process. Our team works with you to make sure that every detail matters, from establishing paternity to fighting for a fair custody arrangement. When you work with us, you get a team that is available day, night, or on weekends—always ready to return your call or answer your email the same day. We value your time, your feelings, and your future.
Core Services: How We Protect Texas Fathers
The foundation of our support for Texas fathers begins with establishing legal recognition of your parental role. Once paternity is firmly established, the path opens to explore the complexities of custody, visitation, and child support.
Paternity Establishment
Establishing paternity is the first step in asserting your rights as a father. We help with:
- Coordinating DNA testing.
- Filing Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP).
- Defending against contested paternity claims.
These steps ensure that your legal role is recognized, which is vital for any future custody or visitation matters.
Custody & Visitation Rights
Every father deserves a chance to be a part of his child’s life. We help secure and maintain strong relationships through:
- Modifications to Standard Possession Orders.
- Arrangements for long-distance parenting.
- Coordination for grandparent access.
Whether you need adjustments to your current arrangement or a new plan for visitation, our team stands ready to support you in keeping that bond strong.
Child Support Advocacy
Fair child support orders are essential for both the well-being of your children and your financial stability. Our team helps by:
- Addressing income verification challenges.
- Handling negotiations for medical and educational expenses.
- Filing for modifications of support orders when circumstances change.
We make sure that the support terms work for you and your family, so you’re not caught in a cycle that doesn’t reflect your situation.
High-Conflict Case Solutions
Some cases come with extra challenges that require quick and decisive action. We provide assistance in high-conflict situations by:
- Defending against protective orders.
- Documenting instances of parental alienation.
- Filing emergency custody petitions when time is of the essence.
If you’re facing a situation where emotions and conflict run high, we work with determination to ensure your rights and relationship with your children are not compromised.
Texas Law Overview
Knowing how Texas law works can give you peace of mind when things get complicated. In Texas, several factors contribute to establishing a father’s legal status:
Presumed Father Status Requirements
To be recognized as a father, Texas law considers several factors:
- Being married at the time of birth.
- Signing the birth certificate.
- Living with the child for at least two years.
These criteria form the basis of what the courts look at to ensure that fathers have a recognized role from the start.
Court Decision Factors
When a case comes to court, the judge looks at several things to decide what arrangement is best for the child:
- Child’s Preference: If the child is 12 or older, their wishes play a role. Note that this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
- Parent Stability: Proof of steady employment and a reliable routine are important.
- History of Care: Involvement in school and daily care matters a great deal.
These factors show that the courts are looking at what is best for the child while trying to keep both parents involved as much as possible.
Your Next Step
If you are worried about your rights as a father or are currently facing a family law dispute in Houston, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. It might feel like the odds are against you, but with a dedicated team on your side, you can take back control and keep your relationship with your child strong.
Ready to protect your rights?
Give us a call today at 844-303-0001 for a confidential consultation. Our team is standing by to help you work through your situation and secure the time you deserve with your child.
Your story matters, and your rights matter. At Jackman Law Firm, we are here to help you get through these challenging times. Let’s take that important step together and make sure your voice is heard.