Question: As A Father What Are My Rights And Responsibilities During And After Divorce?
Answer:
From: James J. Gross
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.
