Fathers Custody Rights
As a father, you have certain rights and responsibilities with respect to your children. You do not need a court order to obtain your rights as a father. You already have them. They are guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the laws of your state. Until and unless a court rules otherwise, your rights as a father and as a parent include the right to:
- be an influence in your children’s lives, be involved, interact, and spend time with them;
- love and nurture your children without harassment from the other parent;
- decide where your children will live;
- participate in the parenting of your children;
- see the school and medical records of your children;
- attend and participate in your children’s extra-curricular activities;
- have the custody, care and control of your children;
- select your children’s school and determine whether it will be home, public, or private;
- determine your children’s religious faith and practices;
- determine your children’s doctors, dentist, and medical treatment;
- follow your own beliefs and parenting style during your time with the children without interference from the other parent;
- guide and discipline your children; and,
- decide what is best for your children.
In addition to your rights, you also have certain duties, obligations and responsibilities, too. As a father and a parent, you have the responsibility to:
- support your children;
- provide them with food, shelter, and clothing;
- see that they obtain appropriate medical treatment;
- provide access to their schooling;
- protect them from harm and neglect;
- foster their relationship with their other parent; and
- give them all the love, nurturing and encouragement you possibly can.
