Every parent – whose rights have not been stripped or limited due to a significant issue – has considerable legal rights in relation to their children, and this includes fathers. While it may seem like Texas prioritizes the rights of mothers, that is not how the law works. The State of Texas is guided by the best interests of the involved children, and bolstering your rights in this context requires the professional legal representation of an experienced Waco father's rights attorney. 

Child Custody Arrangements

Texas addresses child custody arrangements in terms of conservatorship and possession and access. Conservatorship guides parental decision-making authority, and possession and access determine the parenting time schedule. 

When it comes to children's best interests, Texas finds that maximizing each parent's involvement in their lives is the preferred method. This means that both decision-making authority and parenting time are generally shared. Only if there is a verified and serious reason for limiting either parent's rights will that happen, and this applies to mothers and fathers alike.  

Best Interest Factors 

Child custody determinations are made in accordance with wide-ranging best interest factors. While mothers who fill traditional roles are more likely to qualify under some best interest factors, fathers have every opportunity to highlight their own ability to co-parent successfully. In fact, doing so can make a serious difference in the outcome of your case, and working closely with a dedicated father's rights attorney is always advised.  

Prime examples of best interest factors where fathers can showcase their commitment to effective parenting include the following:

• The level of involvement each parent has had in raising the children so far
• Each parent's ability to address their children's needs, including any special needs
• Each parent's commitment to bolstering the other's close relationship with the children and to keeping the lines of communication with one another open
• The suitability of each parent's residence in terms of providing the children with a safe and nurturing home

Strengthening Your Parental Rights 

Your child custody case will be unique to your situation, and your trusted father's rights lawyer will help you make the right decisions for you moving forward. Some basic steps that are universally helpful, however, include the following:

• Make your commitment to playing a key and ongoing role in your children's lives very clear
• Outline your involvement in their lives to date
• Demonstrate your ability to provide them with a stable living environment 
• Refrain from painting your children's other parent as the enemy
• Document the time you spend with your children and the steps you take ensure a healthy and ongoing relationship with them  

An Experienced Waco Father's Rights Lawyer is Well Prepared to Help

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a compassionate Waco father's rights attorney who understands the significance of your case and will spare no effort in pursuit of child custody terms that honor your rights as a father and work for you and your children. Learn more by contacting or calling us at 254-781-4222 and scheduling a free consultation today.