Fighting for the Rights of Fathers in Massachusetts
For too long, fathers have been at a disadvantage in Massachusetts family courts, especially in relation to custody, parenting time, and their relationships with their children. At Law Offices of Eric Mercer, we believe that every parent matters – including fathers. With more than 30 years of significant experience in Plymouth County and on the South Shore, our firm is fully dedicated to fighting for fathers by ensuring their voices are heard, their rights respected, and their children’s best interests always are top of mind.
Dads, Know Your Rights: The Struggle and the Law
Massachusetts law is explicit on the issue: mothers and fathers have the right to parent and form relationships with their children irrespective of their gender. However, in practice, fathers face too often worn-out stereotypes and myths that make it difficult, if not impossible, to get the same custody time, visitation rights, or input into key decisions for their children’s welfare as mothers do. Whether you are going through a divorce, are a never-married father, or trying to modify an existing order, the legal system can be a minefield. We work hard to guarantee that your rights as a father are respected and observed, and that your children have the advantage of a loving, responsible, and involved dad in their lives.
Fighting Bias Within the Judicial System
The Law Offices of Eric Mercer continues to be a zealous advocate for generative parenting – the concept that a child does best when both parents are integrally involved in the child’s life. We strive to break stereotypes and have judges see the facts, not leaps of logic or outdated role expectations. Our strategy is to make a very clear, compelling case as to why our client’s participation in the child’s life is necessary for the child’s best interests (by seeking joint legal custody, expanded parenting time, or even authority over a particular issue).
Resourceful Representation for Fathers
If you are a father living in Plymouth County or the South Shore of Massachusetts, our firm can provide the kind of legal help you need. We offer the full range of services to fathers, including:
- Divorce representation – fathers’ rights protection while helping you file for divorce, whether contested or uncontested
- Child custody and visitation rights – mediation and representation while pursuing a fair, workable plan that reflects your child’s best interests along with high-quality parenting time
- Child support – assistance with accurately calculating and negotiating support obligations under the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines
- Paternity actions – legal help establishing your rights as an unmarried father
- Modifications and enforcement – if your situation has changed, or the best interests of a child in common require new court orders, we can petition the court to modify child custody, visitation, and child support obligations
No two cases are alike. We will take the time to listen to your needs and goals to formulate a family law strategy customized for your life.
Why Clients Retain the Law Offices of Eric Mercer
With more than 30 years’ combined experience, Attorney Eric Mercer is known for his compassionate advocacy, clear communication, and dogged pursuit of cost-effective, just outcomes for fathers. This means that our divorce and family law clients have the edge with:
- Direct access to an experienced family law attorney rather than simply staff.
- Clear goals and creative, strategic plans that are designed to achieve results that matter.
- Honest answers regarding your options and plausible outcomes.
- Cost-effective legal assistance so you can safeguard your rights without jeopardizing your future.
Because we know what’s at stake both practically and emotionally, protecting your relationship with your child or children is our top priority.
Protecting the Rights of Never-Married Dads
When these fathers are trying to establish their rights, they must file a petition for paternity in Massachusetts (as opposed to a divorce action). This is the crucial first step. Once paternity is established legally, fathers can take on issues of custody, parenting time, and decision making in determining what role they will play in the choices that will affect their child’s future. We guide never-married fathers through the entire process of getting paternity established, negotiating reasonable parenting time and child support. The goal is to make sure your voice is heard from the very start and your relationship with your child is protected.
We’re Straightforward & Accessible
At the Law Offices of Eric Mercer, we believe in accessibility. Attorney Mercer will be personally overseeing your case, so you will never be left wondering where your case stands and what comes next. We explain the law and the process in plain language, answer your questions when you have them, and update you throughout the entire process. You are never out of the loop when it comes to your rights or your case because we believe in clear communication between our office and those we assist during this difficult time.
How It Works: Ensuring Your Fathers’ Rights
The starting point for our approach to protecting fathers’ rights is the thorough, confidential initial consultation at no charge. This meeting gives us a chance to review the details of your particular case, discuss your goals, and outline some of the legal options that may be available to you. From there, we can work together on an individualized strategy, whether you are just starting the process of establishing custody, need to modify your agreement or court order, or are facing an enforcement situation. All along the way, our approach is focused on achieving results, minimizing conflict where possible, and always keeping in mind your child’s best interests.
Helping You Create a Generative Parenting Plan
We empower fathers to be an integral part of their children’s lives not only as strong, positive influences but also as loving, responsible parents. That means we fight for a fair outcome in court, while offering you legal advice on co-parenting, communication, and conflict resolution. But our advocacy isn’t limited to litigation: Whatever challenges you face, we are with you every step of the way, to ensure that you maintain a strong bond with your child. When we advocate for fathers, we strengthen families and pave the way for children in Plymouth County to have bright futures.
Get Started: Free, No Obligation Consultation
If you are a father who needs help in making sure that your parental rights are protected, or if you require assistance wisely managing custody, visitation, or support issues, the Law Offices of Eric Mercer is prepared to assist you. We encourage you to schedule an initial free and confidential consultation to go over the details of your case and the possible ways in which we can help. Our offices are located at 1234 Wilshire Blvd Ste 63, Los Angeles CA 90017 and serve Plymouth, Brockton, Hingham, Bridgewater, and all of the rest of the South Shore. Call (323) 454-4623, email [email protected] or visit Contact Us to complete our online questionnaire form. We can help you obtain the kind of relationship you deserve with your child.