Fathers’ Rights
When family disputes reach the point where legal action becomes necessary, fathers in Rhode Island may find themselves facing an uphill battle. Child custody, visitation, and support issues can feel overwhelming when it seems like the system may not be fully on their side.
At the Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC, Warwick fathers’ rights attorney Brett Beaubien is committed to protecting fathers’ rights and ensuring that every client he represents receives fair treatment under the law. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
What are Fathers’ Rights in Rhode Island?
In the past, family courts across the country tended to favor mothers in custody and visitation cases. However, Rhode Island family law has evolved to recognize that both parents play essential roles in a child’s upbringing. The law does not automatically give preference to one parent over the other based on gender. Instead, decisions about custody and visitation must be made based on what the court deems to be in the best interests of the child.
That said, perceptions can still create challenges for fathers. Warwick family law attorney Brett Beaubien helps fathers understand their legal rights and ensures that they are not overshadowed by outdated assumptions or biases. He focuses on educating clients about their options and building strong, evidence-based arguments that demonstrate each father’s ability to provide a stable and supportive environment for their child.
Custody Rights for Fathers in Warwick
Custody disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex. In Rhode Island, there are two types of custody to consider:
Legal Custody
Legal custody involves the right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including matters related to education, healthcare, and religious practices. Family courts in Warwick usually prefer to award joint legal custody so both parents can remain involved in these critical decisions, but there are situations where sole legal custody may be appropriate if one parent can demonstrate that joint decision-making would be harmful to the child.
Physical Custody
Physical custody determines where the child will primarily reside. Fathers seeking physical custody must show that they can provide a consistent, nurturing environment that serves the child’s best interests. Child custody lawyer in Warwick Brett Beaubien works closely with fathers to gather and present the necessary documentation, witness testimony, and evidence to strengthen their position in custody proceedings.
Establishing Paternity and Parental Rights
Before a father can assert his custody or visitation rights, paternity must be legally established. In cases where the parents are married at the time of the child’s birth, paternity is presumed. However, if the parents are not married, the father may need to take formal steps to establish paternity through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity or a court-ordered DNA test.
Establishing paternity not only gives a father the right to seek custody and visitation but also ensures that he can play an active role in the child’s education, healthcare, and daily life. Fathers’ custody lawyer in Warwick Brett Beaubien helps fathers navigate this process with precision, ensuring all necessary filings and procedures are handled correctly from the start.
Visitation Rights for Fathers in Warwick
Even when one parent has primary physical custody, Rhode Island courts recognize the importance of maintaining strong relationships between children and both parents. Visitation, also referred to as parenting time, can be structured in various ways depending on the circumstances.
Attorney Beaubien assists fathers in negotiating and obtaining fair visitation schedules that allow them to remain meaningfully involved in their children’s lives. When disputes arise, such as one parent denying visitation or violating court orders, he takes swift legal action with an aim to protect his clients’ rights and enforce existing agreements.
Child Support and Financial Responsibilities
Fathers’ rights in Warwick extend beyond custody and visitation. Financial obligations are another critical part of family law cases. Rhode Island uses specific child support guidelines to calculate the appropriate amount of support based on the parents’ incomes, childcare expenses, health insurance costs, and other factors.
Attorney Beaubien assists fathers in ensuring that support orders are fair, accurate, and sustainable. He also represents clients in enforcement actions when the other parent fails to meet their obligations, or in modification requests if a father’s financial circumstances have changed. His focus is always on protecting the client’s financial stability while prioritizing the child’s well-being.
Protecting Fathers’ Rights in Relocation and Restraining Order Cases in Warwick
Two of the most challenging situations fathers may face are parental relocation and restraining orders.
Parental Relocation
If the custodial parent wishes to relocate to another state or a significant distance within Rhode Island, it can drastically affect the father’s ability to maintain consistent contact with the child. Courts review these cases carefully, weighing the reasons for relocation against the impact on the non-relocating parent’s rights. Attorney Beaubien advocates vigorously for fathers who wish to challenge or modify relocation requests to preserve their relationships with their children.
Restraining Orders and False Allegations
Restraining orders, while important for protecting genuine victims of abuse, can also be misused during contentious custody disputes. False or exaggerated claims can have devastating consequences for fathers, potentially limiting their access to their children. With his background in criminal defense and appellate law, attorney Beaubien brings a deep understanding of due process and evidentiary standards to these sensitive cases.
Choose Our Experienced Warwick Fathers’ Rights Attorney
Attorney Brett Beaubien’s approach to family law is defined by personal attention and legal skill. As a sole practitioner, every client who hires him works directly with him. This one-on-one approach ensures that each father receives the individualized representation his case deserves.
Whether he is negotiating custody agreements, litigating complex disputes, or arguing appellate cases before higher courts, attorney Beaubien’s mission remains consistent: to fight for fairness, protect parental rights, and ensure that every client’s voice is heard. Attorney Beaubien’s credentials further reflect his professional commitment:
- Professional Excellence in Law, 2022
- Rising Stars – SuperLawyers.com
- National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40
- Avvo Rating 10.0 and Justia Rating 10.0
- Five-Star Reviews on Google
His deep legal background, including success before the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, provides clients with a significant advantage, particularly when facing contentious or high-stakes family law cases.To schedule your free consultation, call the Law Office of Brett V. Beaubien, LLC at (401) 246-8579 or contact us online.
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