Father’s Rights & Parent’s Rights in Kansas City
Advocating For The Rights of Divorcing and Unmarried Fathers and All People who Want to Be Good Parents
Child development research is unequivocal that children benefit from having both parents in their lives, whenever possible (obviously there are exceptions where are a parent is unsafe for children), but in the absence of abuse or neglect circumstances, children need both parents in their lives.
Children Benefit From Two Involved Parents
Did you know that there are statistics saying children are more likely to complete their education, less likely to have depression, attempt suicide and have other mental health concerns when they have two involved parents in their lives? Children are also significantly less likely to experience drug or alcohol addiction. Parents should want the upside of these statistics for their children.
When you are not being permitted to play a meaningful role in your child’s life, you cannot just accept the status quo. Children thrive when they have the love and support of both of their parents in their lives. Unfortunately, there are some cases where fathers are estranged from their children by the mother or by an unfair court outcome. Whatever the case may be, if you are a father looking to protect your right to be involved in the lives of your children, then Pingel Family Law is here to fight for you.
Why Hire Pingel Family Law to Help?
- Personalized and Outcome-Focused Client Services
- Advocacy. It’s Not Our Service, It’s Our Passion
- The Highest Praise From Clients and Other Lawyers
- Almost 40 Years Experience
Are Missouri and Kansas 50/50 Child Custody States?
While both states have statutes indicating that the court should consider 50/50 custody as a potential arrangement/outcome, family court judges make decisions on custody based on the best interests of the children. If you need to have your parental rights protected, please call our team today. We can help you be a significant part of your child’s life. Consult with one of our qualified attorneys to discuss options for a parenting plan in your given situation today at (816) 208-8130.
Men’s Rights and Father’s Rights to Custody, Child Support, Maintenance & Other Issues in Divorce
Fathers have Constitutional rights to parent their children and play a meaningful and substantial role in the parenting and raising their children. This right for father’s is equally as important as the right that Mother’s have. Don’t let anyone convince you that your role as a father is less important as a parent than the mother’s role. Your child needs YOU! As a father, you have an equal right to fair and meaningful decisions and an opportunity for input regarding such matters:
- Child custody
- Parenting time
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance
When children are involved, the Court will make decisions and issue a judgment based on the best interests of the child. If you share our belief that your child’s interests are best met with you having significant involvement in your child’s life, you need a skilled and expert advocate on your side helping to make sure the court recognizes your rights and need for involvement in your child’s life.
Is Missouri a "Mother" or "Father" State?
There is no "Mother State" or "Father State" for Missouri. When spouses with children are going through the divorce and custody process, they frequently ask, "Will me being the father or mother affect my chances of having custody?".
When determining who gets custody of a child/children from a dissolved marriage, Missouri family law, divorce law, and custody law aims to provide each parent with an equal chance for success.
How to Establish Paternity in Missouri and Kansas
Paternity confirms a father’s legal status as the parent of a child. Typically, it is important for paternity to be established legally when a child is born to unwed parents. When a father is not married to the mother at the time she gives birth, even if you have signed an acknowledgment of paternity, you still need a judicial determination or declaration of paternity in order to legally establish your parenting rights.
There are also occasions, even when parents are in a happy, healthy relationship with one another (when unmarried) that establishing paternity is important. For example, if paternity is judicially/legally established, you have the ability to prevent the mother of your child moving out of state with your child if the relationship breaks down in the future. Protect your rights as a father by establishing paternity today. Call our experienced legal team to help you protect your rights!
Can my child’s mother keep my child from me?
The simple answer is yes. If you are unmarried and paternity is not established, she can unless you have a court order. Or at least this is what you will be told by law enforcement agencies if you try to get assistance with enforcing your parental rights. In order to enforce parenting time, you must have a court order that details specific periods of parenting time and parental rights.
If you call the police in the midst of a disagreement with your child’s mother, the police will generally say “this is a domestic dispute, get a court order.” While it’s not fair that one parent can keep children away from the other parent, without a court order, it is often difficult to get your equal rights to parent your child recognized by law enforcement. Signing a birth certificate, signing an affidavit of parentage or taking other similar steps does not automatically confer parental rights, sadly.
Whether you are entering into a divorce, are unmarried with children, or are a divorced father looking to protect your existing rights, our fathers' rights lawyers in Kansas and Missouri can help you. Pingel Family Law is here to advocate for you. We understand what you are going through and how important fighting for your rights is- not only to you, but to the well-being of your child. Let our team be the experienced, zealous advocate you need at a crucial point in your life.
Contact us at (816) 208-8130 to schedule your consultation today! Get our team on your side! Let us fight for your rights and your children!
"I have known Attorney Pingel for more than fifteen (15) years. Mandee is a lawyer I consider a respected colleague. She has a reputation for being intelligent, knowledgeable about the law, well-prepared and kind."
- A Lawyer in Liberty, Missouri