Mesa Fathers’ Rights Attorneys

Protecting Fathers' Rights in Maricopa County

When legal custody is decided during a divorce, the court recognizes each parent equally, meaning neither parent receives preferential treatment based on gender. However, if the parents were never married, the biological father has no legal right to either custody or parenting time without both an order entered to establish parental rights and legally established paternity.

If you are involved in a paternity dispute or feel that your rights as a father have been violated, Edwards & Petersen | PLC is here to help. Our fathers’ rights attorneys in Mesa offer client-focused and results-driven representation, always striving to help our clients achieve their goals in the most efficient and amicable fashion possible.

Are you dealing with a paternity issue? Call Edwards & Petersen | PLC today at (480) 418-5656 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our fathers' rights lawyer in Mesa.

Establishing Custody Rights for Fathers in Arizona

Once paternity is established, one parent must file a request to have the court decide legal decision-making and parenting time. At that point, the court’s decision is based on what is deemed best for the child, just as it is when the parents have been legally married. You can petition the court for both paternity and custody at the same time.

When is Paternity Assumed in Arizona?

A child’s biological father may voluntarily acknowledge paternity or have it legally established. However, the Arizona Revised Statute delineates a number of conditions in which paternity is assumed.

This means that unless it receives evidence to the contrary, the court automatically recognizes paternity under the following circumstances:

• He and the mother were married at any point during the 10 months preceding the child’s birth
• The child’s birth took place within 10 months of the marriage ending
• A DNA test revealed 95% probability of paternity
• The mother and father both signed the birth certificate, even if unmarried
• Both parents, either together or separately, signed a notarized or witnessed statement that acknowledges paternity

This is a complex area of law. It is in your best interest to retain an experienced family law attorney. The Mesa fathers’ rights lawyers at Edwards & Petersen | PLC are here to help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Contact Our Mesa Fathers' Rights Lawyer Today

If you're a father facing legal challenges concerning your rights as a parent, don't hesitate to contact our Mesa fathers' rights lawyer today. We understand fathers' unique and crucial role in their children's lives, and we are dedicated to advocating for your rights and interests. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of family law and achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children. Contact Edwards & Petersen | PLC today to schedule a consultation, and let us work together to protect your rights as a father. Your family's future is important to us, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Contact Edwards & Petersen | PLC today to get started with our Mesa fathers' rights attorneys.