Has the Concept of Fathers' Rights Gone too Far?
As a family law attorney who has guided Colorado families through the divorce process for nearly 40 years, I have seen the pendulum swing back and forth when it comes to issues such as fathers' rights. The concern should be the children's rights. Your child has a right to expect appropriate parenting from both parents, the love and respect of both parents, time with both parents that in part reflects the past commitment of the parents to time and support for the child, and to be provided with the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing from both parents.
I was one of the first lawyers in the Denver area to help men obtain primary custody of their children following divorce. Then, as well as today, I often represent women who are concerned about obtaining the financial support they need to adequately support their children after divorce. I provide representation to assure Fathers that they have a fair parenting time plan that reflects the Father's commitment to raising a child that will have the best possible opportunity to become a well-grounded successful adult.
I represent both Father's and Mother's who are the majority parenting time parents as well as Fathers and Mothers who have less than the majority of the overnights each year. Without regard to gender, the issues are the same for the majority parenting time parent and the same for the parent with less than the majority parenting time. Gender has and should have little effect on these issues.
Representing Functional Parents in Divorce
When the pendulum goes too far in one direction, it will inevitably come back in the other direction. My goal as a lawyer is not to oppose fathers' rights. Rather, my mission is to represent functional parents, not those who would use a lawyer as a tool to seek revenge or get back at an ex-spouse. These individuals usually do not hire me after they learn of my philosophy regarding children in a conflict between the parents over a parenting plan.
As a lawyer, I represent parents who are concerned about the best interests of their children and I always put the best interests of the children first when negotiating issues such as parenting time and child support. When a non-custodial parent seeks a shared parenting time arrangement solely to reduce the amount of child support he or she pays, then it is the child who does without. When a custodial parent uses his or her time with a child as a lever to punish or get even with her/his ex, it is the child who is harmed. Neither of these situations is in the best interests of the child.
When I represent a client going through divorce, my goal is to get along with the other side and their attorney. However, if the other side chooses not to place the interests of children first, I am here to be your advocate. I represent women who are concerned about their children's future as well as men who have had their rights impugned or taken away by opposing parents.
For more information or to schedule an attorney consultation about working with families in divorce: call 303-427-5581 or complete the contact form on this site. My law office is located near the Pecos Street exit of the Denver-Boulder Turnpike.
