As A Father, Your Rights Are Worth Protecting

When couples decide to separate or divorce, many fathers mistakenly believe that the court always awards custody to the mother simply because she is the mother. That may have been a common result in the past, but it is no longer true. Today, courts recognize the importance of a father’s role in a child’s life, and there is now a presumption that 50-50 timesharing is in a child’s best interests.

At the Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A., based in Pompano Beach, we are committed to advocating for fathers’ rights. Our family law attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience representing men and women in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Our lawyers are driven to help mothers and fathers maintain frequent and meaningful time-sharing with their children.

Preserving Your Relationship Is Critical For You And Your Child

In Florida, family law judges make child custody decisions based on the best interests of the children. Courts must order that both parents should share responsibility for a child unless doing so would be detrimental to the child. Previously, married fathers getting a divorce were in a stronger legal position than fathers who had never married their coparent. However, due to a change in state law enacted in 2023, unwed fathers who have been legally declared the father of their child will automatically share equal parental rights as well.

While many parents are able to work together in sharing custody of their children, not all do. In those instances, the court will determine a custody schedule, called a parenting plan, in the best interests of the children after evaluating factors affecting the well-being of the children and the circumstances of the family.

If you are concerned about your child’s well-being while spending time with the other parent, our attorneys will advocate for you and your children to obtain the best possible results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fathers’ Rights In Florida

When fathers face custody conflicts, they usually have numerous questions and concerns. Our attorneys can answer any questions fathers have about their custody rights. Here are a few questions parents have asked our attorneys and the responses they’ve received:

What steps can fathers take if they feel their rights are being violated?

Whenever a father feels that their rights have been violated in a custody and visitation matter and the other parent is not open to resolving the conflict amicably, it is critical to begin documenting everything and seek guidance from a family law attorney experienced in fathers’ rights.

An attorney can help explore the available legal options, which may include filing a motion with the court to enforce an existing visitation order or a modification request to better reflect the child’s best interests.

Can a father’s rights be terminated in Florida? If so, under what circumstances?

Yes. In some cases, a father may lose their parental rights. There are several ways this can happen. For example, a father may voluntarily surrender their rights in writing. A father could also lose their parental rights if they abandon their child, the father becomes incarcerated or they pose a threat to their child’s well-being. A father’s actions, inaction, physical and mental health could all impact a child’s welfare and a father’s rights. Our attorneys can help protect the parent-child relationship against threats and fight against potential legal hurdles.

Contact The Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A.

If you are experiencing a family law problem, contact our firm to schedule a free consultation. You can call our office at 954-781-8230 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. We are located in Pompano Beach.