Our clients are at the heart of what we do every day. Our priority is always your best interest.
Being a father is a source of joy for many – but if you’re currently embroiled in a custody dispute, divorce, or other family law matter, your role might feel uncertain. The legal system can often feel confusing and overwhelming. Persistent myths about father’s rights can make the process even more upsetting.
The attorneys at Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., understand the emotional toll family law matters can take, and we’re prepared to help fight for your rights. Wisconsin law recognizes that children benefit from having both parents actively involved in their lives. Fathers have legal rights, which deserve to be balanced with supporting their children’s best interests.
From establishing paternity to fighting for equal placement or custody, our experienced family law attorneys leverage a deep understanding of Wisconsin family law to support each of our clients.
If you need family law support to establish your rights as a father, we can help. Call Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., today for a consultation, and find out how we can work to protect your relationship with your child.
Asserting your parental rights can be difficult – especially if you’re unsure what those rights are. Too often, fathers feel as though the legal system is working against them, and myths about father’s rights abound.
Here are some of the most common legal hurdles fathers may encounter:
Establishing Legal Paternity – If you’re not married to your child’s mother, you must establish legal paternity before you can pursue custody (decision-making authority), visitation, or placement (physical custody). Under Wisconsin law, paternity can be established voluntarily through acknowledgment or by court action. Until you establish paternity, you may have no enforceable parental rights – no matter how involved you’ve been in your child’s life.
Seeking Custody and Placement – Although Wisconsin courts consider the best interests of the child, many fathers worry that outdated assumptions about gender roles may influence custody and visitation outcomes. A skilled family law attorney can fight for equitable parenting time and advocate for shared custody arrangements.
Defending Against False Allegations – When family law matters get contentious, some fathers are blindsided by accusations that threaten their custody rights. Whether it’s a claim of abuse, neglect, or lack of parental fitness, working with an attorney is the best way to defend yourself and protect your time with your child.
Disestablishing Paternity – If you believe you are not a child’s biological father, you can petition the court to disestablish paternity.
Modifying Custody or Placement Orders – Life circumstances change, which makes it important to modify custody and placement orders. Relocation, changes in employment, and your child’s changing needs are all reasons to modify court orders. A family law attorney can advocate for necessary changes.
Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., supports fathers in and out of the courtroom. If you’re ready to assert your rights and protect your bond with your child, we can help.
When your relationship with your child is on the line, you need a legal team that listens and fights for you. Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., offers decades of experience, deep roots in Wisconsin, and a relentless commitment to protecting your parental rights.
Our attorneys take the time to understand your goals and tailor strategies to your unique situation. We’re proud to have a certified family law trial specialist on our team – an unusual distinction reflecting advanced experience and skill in complex family law litigation.
Over the years, we have consistently delivered strong results inside and outside the courtroom. Whatever your needs, we bring the knowledge, courtroom confidence, and commitment you need to get results. Throughout the process, we’ll communicate with you to develop a legal strategy and tirelessly advocate for your rights.
We know your future with your child is too important to leave to chance. Let us help you protect your parenting time.
Wisconsin law prioritizes a child’s best interests in custody and placement matters. Once legal paternity is established, fathers have the same rights as mothers when pursuing custody and placement. These rights are not dependent on your marital status, either. Unmarried fathers who establish paternity have the same rights to pursue custody and placement as married fathers.
Many fathers are under the impression that courts prioritize mothers when it comes to custody and placement issues. This is not true. Under Wisconsin law, courts are prohibited from making these decisions based on the sex or race of a parent. This means that a father cannot be denied time with his child simply because of outdated assumptions about gender roles. As long as a parent isn’t a danger to their child, courts presume that it’s in their child’s best interest to spend time with both parents.
Shared custody and 50/50 placement arrangements are increasingly common, especially when both parents are actively involved. Fathers have every right to seek balanced and fair parenting time – and Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C., is here to help make that happen.
If your child’s mother attempts to restrict contact, deny visitation, or relocate your child without legal authority, we can help. Our firm understands how urgent – and emotional – custody disputes can be. When your parental relationship is at stake, we’ll work quickly and fight for you.
Fathers may petition to enforce existing placement orders, including make-up placement time or financial sanctions against the noncompliant parent. We can also intervene if your child’s mother plans to relocate without court permission.
In cases where your child’s safety or well-being is at risk, we can pursue emergency orders to secure immediate protection. In short, we use every legal remedy available to help fathers maintain strong, consistent, and loving connections with their children.
Having a knowledgeable family law attorney on your side protects your rights from the very beginning. Here’s how our skilled Wisconsin family lawyers can help:
Establish and Protect Your Legal Rights – From filing for paternity to securing custody and placement, we make sure every step is handled properly and on time.
Build a Strong, Bias-Free Case – We can challenge any outdated assumptions and will present clear evidence that supports your role as an involved, capable parent.
Handle Emergencies and Enforcement – If your child’s other parent violates court orders or relocates without permission, we act quickly to protect your parenting time.
Manage Complex Legal Processes – Family law matters can be overwhelming. Our experienced family law firm will guide you through every detail and advocate for the best possible outcome so you can focus on your time with your child.
If you’re a father facing custody, placement, or paternity challenges, don’t risk facing the legal system alone. The family law attorneys at Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C. are here to advocate for your rights, protect your relationship with your child, and help you move forward with confidence.
With offices in Appleton and Green Bay, we represent fathers throughout Northeast Wisconsin in even the most complex family law matters. Whatever your family law needs, we bring the experience, strategy, and compassion you need to get results. Contact us today for a consultation.
