Fathers play a crucial role in their children’s lives. But when families split up, dads sometimes have to fight to stay involved. We help fathers in Austin protect their rights, ask for fair custody, and make sure they’re treated fairly in court.
If you are a father concerned about custody, parenting time, or your role in your child’s life, it is time to take action. Speak with a fathers’ rights lawyer at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law today who will advocate for your voice to be heard.
Fathers’ Rights in Texas: What They Are and Why They Matter
In Texas, fathers have the same rights as mothers regarding the care and upbringing of their children. Still, some people think dads should only visit or pay support, rather than being fully involved. That mindset is changing.
Kids do best when both parents are involved in their lives. That’s why Texas courts often support shared custody and regular time with both parents. Still, some fathers face challenges, such as the other parent not cooperating or the court making unfair assumptions. Our lawyers help fathers protect their role as parents, whether they are seeking more time, disagreeing with a custody plan, or dealing with a parent who tries to push them away.
Fathers in Texas have the legal right to:
- Participate in decisions about education, health care, and religion
- Seek legal and physical custody
- Maintain a consistent parenting schedule
- Challenge relocation or blocked visitation
- Modify custody or support when circumstances change
- Receive or pay fair child support
First, paternity has to be legally established. After that, we help you build a parenting plan that reflects your role. We are with you every step of the way.
Establishing Paternity
For unmarried fathers, establishing legal paternity is necessary before any parental rights can be claimed or enforced. Signing a birth certificate alone may not be enough. Without a court order or acknowledgment of paternity, you may have no say in custody, support, or visitation.
Smith & Bledsoe Family Law helps fathers in Austin file paternity suits or defend against unfounded claims. Once paternity is confirmed, you can move forward with custody requests and begin building a long-term plan for equal parenting. We handle this process with urgency and accuracy, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Custody and Parenting Time for Fathers in Texas
Texas courts care most about what’s best for the kid, not the parents. However, dads still face old-school thinking and have less time with their kids. We help them push for fair custody with a clear plan and real support. Custody is split into two parts:
- Legal Custody (Conservatorship) – The right to make significant decisions about your child’s education, medical care, and upbringing
- Physical Custody (Possession and Access) – The schedule that determines when each parent spends time with the child
Many fathers opt for joint custody to share decision-making and time. If the other parent is not safe or available, sole custody may be a better option. We help show the court you are stable, involved, and ready to parent.
If you are not the primary custodian, Texas courts typically grant visitation. This used to mean every other weekend – but not anymore. Courts are increasingly supportive of 50/50 parenting time when both parents are capable and committed. We help you negotiate or modify parenting plans that reflect your real-life schedule while supporting your child’s routine.
And when the other parent interferes with your time – whether through denial of visits or refusal to follow court orders – we act quickly to protect your rights – lost time with your child matters. We work to make sure it does not happen again.
Parental Alienation: Recognizing and Addressing It
Parental alienation is when one parent tries to damage the child’s relationship with the other, such as badmouthing, leaving them out of activities, or encouraging the child to skip visits.
This behavior not only harms the targeted parent but can have long-term effects on the child’s mental and emotional health. Courts in Texas take allegations of alienation seriously, especially when backed by documentation, witness testimony, or therapist insight.
If you believe you are being alienated from your child, Smith & Bledsoe Family Law will take immediate steps to protect your relationship. We help gather evidence, present findings in court, and advocate for parenting time that fosters healing and rebuilding your connection.
Modifying Custody or Visitation
Life changes. You may have moved closer to your child. The other parent may have become less involved. Or maybe your child’s needs have shifted. When these changes occur, the court allows parents to request a modification of their custody arrangement.
Common reasons for modification include:
- New work schedules
- Relocation
- Unfit parenting by the other parent
- Your child is requesting more time with you
- Ongoing conflict or custody disputes
Fathers can request updated custody orders that reflect their current role and their child’s changing needs. These requests should be clear, timely, and focused on what is in the best interest of the child.
Child Support and Fair Financial Expectations
Whether you are paying or receiving support, financial arrangements should reflect the actual cost of raising a child and your current reality. Texas follows specific guidelines for calculating child support, although adjustments may be necessary based on changes in parenting time, income, or special needs.
We help fathers:
- Review proposed orders for accuracy
- Challenge inflated income assumptions
- Modify payments after job loss or increase
- Enforce orders when the other parent is not paying
Smith & Bledsoe Family Law works to protect both your financial stability and your child’s future. We handle support matters with transparency and a commitment to long-term fairness.
Handling False Allegations and Legal Challenges
Some custody battles turn hostile. In rare but severe cases, a parent may make false claims of abuse, neglect, or misconduct. These accusations can threaten your rights and your reputation, especially if they impact emergency custody or temporary orders.
If you have been falsely accused, it is essential to respond quickly and clearly. Gathering evidence and presenting your side at every hearing helps protect your rights. Some parents use false claims to gain an advantage, but those tactics can and should be challenged.
Divorce and Fatherhood: Why Work with Smith & Bledsoe Family Law?
Divorce doesn’t have to mean distance from your child. With the right legal support, you can move forward with a solid plan that protects your relationship and helps you remain an integral part of your child’s daily life. We help fathers in Austin handle every step of the process – from temporary orders to final parenting plans.
We help make sure dads keep their rights when it comes to raising their kids. That includes having time with their child, being able to see school and medical records, and having a say in big decisions about their child’s life.
We understand that custody fights can feel confusing and stressful. That’s why we offer clear advice, strong support, and real experience to help guide you. When you work with us, you can expect honest answers, a solid plan, and people who care about your role as a father.
- Honest case evaluations
- Personalized legal strategies
- Consistent updates and communication
- A team that respects your role as a father
We have helped countless dads in Austin protect their rights and stay present in their children’s lives. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fathers’ Rights in Austin
Fathers in Texas often face uphill battles when asserting their parental rights, but those rights are real, and they can be enforced.
Can a father win primary custody in Texas?
Yes. If it is in the best interest of the child, courts can grant fathers sole custody or make them the primary conservator, based on their level of involvement, stability, and home life.
Is joint custody the same as equal time?
Not always. Joint custody refers to decision-making power. Parenting time can still be uneven. However, 50/50 schedules are increasingly common and often supported when both parents are capable of doing so.
What if my ex is blocking my visitation?
That may be a violation of a court order. We help fathers file enforcement actions to protect court-ordered visitation and prevent future violations.
Can I stop paying support if I do not see my child?
No. Child support and visitation are separate matters. But if your parenting time is being denied, we can pursue legal remedies while also reviewing your support obligations.
Do I need a lawyer to establish paternity?
It helps. While voluntary acknowledgment is possible, having legal representation protects your rights and makes sure the correct steps are followed.
Whether you are seeking custody, enforcing visitation, or establishing paternity, having a strong legal advocate can make all the difference.
Talk to a Fathers’ Rights Lawyer in Austin Today
You do not have to accept a limited role in your child’s life. Whether you are dealing with custody disputes, parental alienation, or seeking equal parenting rights, the team at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law is here to help. Let us fight for your time, your voice, and your relationship with your child.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney who understands fathers’ rights. We are ready to protect your rights and your future.