Ontario Fathers’ Rights Lawyer

Protecting Fathers’ Rights in Child’s Custody and Support Cases

Fathers play an essential role in their children’s lives—but many still face challenges asserting their parental rights during divorce, custody disputes, or paternity actions. Whether you’re seeking custody, parenting time, or fair child support, navigating California’s family court system can be complex and emotional.

At The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock, we are committed to advocating for fathers in high-conflict or complex family law matters. If you are an unmarried father, non-custodial parent, or are being denied visitation, we can help you assert your legal rights and protect your relationship with your child.

Fathers’ Rights Under California Family Law

California law guarantees that mothers and fathers have equal rights when it comes to parenting, custody, and child support. The court’s main focus is always the best interests of the child, and it generally favors frequent and continuing contact with both parents.

Fathers have rights to:

Joint or sole legal custody (decision-making authority)
Physical custody (where the child lives)
Parenting time and visitation schedules
A fair determination of child support obligations
Participation in major decisions related to the child’s upbringing

The law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender—but fathers often need skilled legal advocacy to ensure equal consideration.

Child Custody and Parenting Time for Fathers

In California, there are two types of custody:

Legal Custody – The right to make decisions about health, education, and welfare
Physical Custody – Where the child resides most of the time

Custody can be joint (shared) or sole (granted to one parent). California courts encourage cooperative parenting arrangements and shared custody when it serves the child’s well-being.

We help fathers:

Establish joint or primary custody rights
Negotiate parenting plans that reflect involvement and consistency
Enforce or modify existing custody and visitation orders
Challenge biased or unfair custody determinations

Establishing Paternity for Unmarried Fathers

If you are not married to your child’s mother, you must establish legal paternity before you can seek custody or visitation rights.

This can be done through:

Voluntary Declaration of Parentage signed at birth or later
Court-ordered DNA testing if paternity is contested
Filing a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship in family court

Once paternity is established, the father has full legal rights and responsibilities—including the right to seek custody, parenting time, and to be involved in decision-making.

Child Support and Financial Fairness

California’s statewide child support guidelines base payment amounts on each parent’s income, time spent with the child, and specific needs.

We help fathers:

Ensure accurate calculation of support based on real income and parenting time
Modify support if your income or circumstances change
Hold the other parent accountable for support obligations
Prevent excessive or unfair support orders based on incorrect data

Fathers are more than financial providers—they deserve equal rights as caregivers and role models.

Fighting for Equal Parenting Rights in Court

Family court decisions can have long-lasting impacts on your relationship with your child. If you’re facing unfair restrictions, a contentious co-parenting dynamic, or difficulty securing time with your child, we can help.

We represent fathers in:

Custody battles and parenting time disputes
Paternity and parentage proceedings
Support enforcement and modification hearings
Contested divorce cases involving child-related issues

We fight to ensure that your parental rights are respected and that your child maintains a healthy, meaningful relationship with both parents.

Speak to a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer Today

Navigating custody, support, or paternity as a father can be emotionally and legally overwhelming. An experienced Ontario Fathers’ Rights Lawyer can help protect your interests. If you’re concerned about your parental rights or feel that your role is being diminished, don’t wait.

Call The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock at (909) 466-7661 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online via our contact page. We proudly serve clients throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties.

FAQs About Fathers’ Rights in California

1. Do fathers have the same custody rights as mothers in California?
Yes. California law does not favor one parent based on gender. Both parents have equal rights to seek custody and parenting time.

2. Can an unmarried father get custody or visitation rights?
Yes, but only after establishing legal paternity. Once paternity is confirmed, the father can request custody and parenting time just like any other parent.

3. How can a father increase his chances of getting custody?
Maintain strong involvement in the child’s life, demonstrate stability, and work with an attorney to present a compelling parenting plan in court.

4. Can child support be changed if my financial situation changes?
Yes. If your income significantly increases or decreases, you can petition the court for a child support modification.

5. What should I do if I’m being denied visitation?
You can file a motion in family court to enforce or modify your custody and visitation orders. Courts do not tolerate ongoing denial of court-ordered parenting time.