Protecting Fathers’ Custody, Parenting, and Parental Rights in Anaheim & Orange County
Fathers can face important questions about custody, parenting time, parentage, child support, and their role in their children’s lives. California family courts do not decide custody based on whether a parent is the mother or father. The court looks at the child’s best interests when making custody and parenting-time orders.
At Alkam Law Offices, we represent fathers in Anaheim and throughout Orange County in family law matters that affect their relationships with their children. We help you understand your legal status, the orders that may apply to your family, and the steps you can take when you need to establish or protect your parental rights.
Your situation may involve establishing legal parentage, requesting a parenting schedule, responding to a custody request, changing an existing order, addressing child support, or dealing with the other parent’s failure to follow a court order. We review the facts with you and explain your options in clear language so you can make informed decisions about your family.
SERVING FAMILIES
SINCE 2002
DIRECT ACCESS
TO YOUR ATTORNEY
ENGLISH, SPANISH,
ARABIC, & TAGALOG
AWARD-WINNING
REPRESENTATION
What Rights Do Fathers Have Under California Family Law?
California does not give mothers or fathers a preference in child custody decisions based on sex or gender. When parents disagree about custody or parenting time, the court focuses on the child’s best interests, including the child’s health, relationships with each parent, ties to home and school, each parent’s ability to provide care, and any history of family violence or ongoing substance abuse.
If both parents are legally recognized and no custody order exists, neither parent automatically has greater custody rights. A court can establish legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time based on the child’s circumstances.
If you are not already legally recognized as your child’s parent, you may need to establish parentage before the court can grant custody or parenting-time rights. Once legal parentage is established, you can ask the court for custody, parenting time, and child support orders.
How We Help Fathers Protect Their Parental Rights
Your rights depend on your legal parentage, any existing court orders, your current parenting arrangement, and the facts involving your child. We start by reviewing those circumstances and explaining what California family law allows you to request.
We help fathers with:
- Establishing legal parentage and protecting parental rights when parentage has not yet been legally recognized
- Requesting custody and parenting time, including preparing parenting plans and responding to custody or visitation requests
- Changing or enforcing existing orders, including addressing denied parenting time or violations of custody and visitation orders
- Addressing child support and relocation issues that may affect your parenting arrangements or responsibilities
- Handling domestic violence and related court matters, including restraining orders or findings that may affect custody and parenting time
If you need to change an existing order, the legal requirements depend on what you want changed and whether the current order is temporary or final. We help you identify the facts that apply to your request, prepare your position, and understand what the court can order under California family law.
OUR FAMILY LAW SERVICES
Alkam Law Offices is based in Anaheim, CA, where we have assisted families in the following Family Law matters & more for over 24 years!
Divorce
We represent clients through each stage of divorce, including dividing property and debts, addressing spousal support, resolving child-related issues when applicable, and reaching agreements or preparing for court.
Domestic Violence
We represent clients who need help with domestic violence restraining orders, responding to allegations, and related family law matters involving custody, visitation, and other parental rights.
Uncontested Divorce
If you and your spouse agree on the major terms of your divorce, we can help you complete the legal process properly and address the issues that must be included in your agreement.
Child Custody
We help parents address legal and physical custody, parenting plans, visitation, custody disputes, and requests to modify existing orders while keeping their children’s needs at the center of the case.
Why Choose Us?
Alkam Law Offices stands out among the competition for several compelling reasons:
Expertise and Experience
Our team comprises seasoned attorneys with decades of experience in various fields of law.
Client-Centered Approach
We put our clients’ needs and goals first and tailored our approach to your unique situation.
Innovative Solutions
Our firm embraces innovative approaches and leverages advanced technology to deliver efficient, effective legal solutions.
Proven Results
We are relentless in our pursuit of justice and have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Community Involvement
We are actively engaged in the civic life of Anaheim and the surrounding communities we serve.
Trusted Reputation
We have built a strong reputation based on trust, reliability, and ethical practice.
Choosing Alkam Law Offices means choosing a partner who is dedicated to championing your rights and achieving your goals. Let us be your trusted advocates as you make important decisions about your family and future.
Our Family Law Process
When you contact Alkam Law Offices, we start by learning about your situation and what you need. If your matter is a fit for our firm, we will arrange a consultation so you can speak with an attorney about your options.
Contact Our Office
Call us or send us a message and tell us about the family law issue you are facing.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Qualified prospects receive a free 15-minute phone consultation or a free 30-minute in-person consultation, with appointments generally available within a week.
Talk Through Your Options
Your attorney will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and explain the legal options that may apply to your situation.
Work Directly With Your Attorney
When you hire our law firm, you communicate directly with your attorney by phone, text, or email as your case moves forward.
Serving Families in Anaheim, Throughout Orange County & Nearby Communities
Based in Anaheim, Alkam Law Offices represents families throughout Orange County and nearby Southern California communities. We provide personalized and compassionate legal services to clients in Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Cypress, Yorba Linda, Santa Ana, Orange, Irvine, Tustin, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fathers have the same custody rights as mothers in California?
California courts do not give a mother or father a custody preference based on sex or gender. When the court decides custody or parenting time, it focuses on the child’s best interests. If both people are already legally recognized as the child’s parents and no custody order exists, neither parent automatically has greater custody rights. Once a court enters an order, both parents must follow its terms.
Can an unmarried father get custody or parenting time in California?
Yes, an unmarried father who is legally recognized as a parent can ask the court for custody and parenting-time orders. If you are not already your child’s legal parent, you may first need to establish parentage. Once legal parentage is established, you can ask the court to decide custody, parenting time, and child support.
Do I need to establish paternity or parentage before asking for custody?
It depends on whether California law already recognizes you as your child’s legal parent. Only legal parents can obtain parental custody and parenting-time orders. If your legal parentage has not already been established, you may need to establish it through a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage or a court proceeding before obtaining those orders. We can review your circumstances and explain which process may apply.
Can a father get joint or 50/50 custody in California?
A father can ask for joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or another parenting arrangement that fits the circumstances of the child. California does not automatically give either parent a 50/50 parenting schedule. The court decides custody based on the child’s best interests. California law does not create a general preference for or against joint or sole custody, although parents who agree on joint custody receive different treatment under the law.
What can I do if the other parent will not follow my parenting-time order?
If you already have a custody or parenting-time order and the other parent is not following it, you can ask the court to address the violation. Court orders can be enforced by a judge and, in some circumstances, law enforcement.
A clear order with specific dates, times, and exchange terms can make enforcement easier. We can review your current order and discuss the legal options available when parenting time is being denied or interrupted.
If you do not yet have a custody or parenting-time order, we can discuss asking the court to establish one.
Does Alkam Law Offices handle father’s rights cases in my area?
If you are looking for a father’s rights attorney near you in Anaheim or elsewhere in Orange County, Alkam Law Offices can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under California law. Visit our Locations page to learn more about the communities we serve.
Talk With a Skilled Family Law Attorney About Your Situation
You do not have to make important family law decisions without understanding your legal options. Contact Alkam Law Offices to tell us about your situation and find out how we may be able to help.