Morris County Fathers’ Rights Lawyers

New Jersey law is clear in its belief that fathers and mothers have equal parental rights and responsibilities when it comes to their children. However, even though fathers are entitled to the same parental rights and guardianship of their children as mothers in the eyes of the law, many fathers are still treated by their co-parents as lesser parents, despite their loving devotion to their children. At Leslie Law Firm, we understand the frustrations many men face while fighting for their rights as parents. Our fathers’ rights lawyers believe in the equal treatment of men and women as co-parents, and will protect fathers from what can sometimes feel like a stacked deck in family law issues such as child custody, parenting time, out-of-state relocations, paternity disputes, and more.

Over the years, we have built strong relationships with many fathers through successful legal representation and we are prepared to provide you with this same level of effective and knowledgeable legal counsel if you are a father facing gender discrimination in any kind of family law matter. Contact our office to discuss your individual needs and concerns when it comes to your legal rights as a father in a free and confidential consultation with our legal team today.

Paternity in New Jersey

Establishing paternity is a critical step in securing your legal rights as a father in New Jersey. Without legal recognition of paternity, a father has no enforceable right to custody, visitation, or input in major decisions regarding the child’s life. At Leslie Law Firm, our Morris County family lawyers help fathers take decisive steps to protect their parental rights from the start.

In New Jersey, paternity can be established in one of three primary ways:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): If both parents agree on the identity of the father, they can sign a Certificate of Parentage at the hospital when the child is born, or later at the local registrar’s office or county welfare agency. This legally establishes paternity without the need for court involvement.
• Genetic Testing and Court Order: If paternity is contested, either parent can file a paternity action in Family Court. The court may then order DNA testing, and if the results confirm biological paternity, the court will issue an order legally recognizing the father.
• Presumption of Paternity in Marriage: When a child is born during a marriage, the husband is presumed to be the child’s legal father. However, this presumption can be challenged under specific legal circumstances.

Once paternity is legally established, fathers gain the right to seek custody, parenting time, and to play an active role in their child’s life. Our firm ensures that fathers are not only recognized but respected in their parental role from day one.

Child Custody, Parental Alienation, & Parenting Time

Too often, fathers find themselves battling stereotypes or being unfairly sidelined in custody determinations. Despite legal standards that promote the best interests of the child—typically through shared parental responsibilities—some fathers face resistance when seeking equal custody or meaningful parenting time.

At Leslie Law Firm, we fight to ensure fathers are not treated as secondary parents. Whether you’re seeking joint custody or primary residential custody, we’ll help you build a compelling case that highlights your relationship with your child, your involvement in their life, and your capacity to provide a stable, nurturing environment.

Unfortunately, some fathers also experience parental alienation—a situation where one parent attempts to poison the child’s relationship with the other parent through manipulation, exclusion, or disparagement. These tactics not only damage the child emotionally but also violate the spirit of New Jersey’s custody laws. If you believe your co-parent is engaging in alienation or interfering with your court-ordered parenting time, our attorneys can petition the court to enforce or modify existing orders, ensuring your role in your child’s life is protected.

We believe that children deserve strong relationships with both parents—and we are committed to defending your right to be a consistent and loving presence in your child’s world.

Receiving Child Support

While child support is often thought of as a payment fathers make, the law in New Jersey is gender-neutral—meaning either parent can be the recipient of support, depending on the custody arrangement and the financial circumstances of both parties.

If you are the primary custodial parent—or even if you have shared custody but your income is significantly lower than the other parent’s—you may be entitled to receive child support. The courts consider a variety of factors when determining child support, including each parent’s income, earning potential, time spent with the child, and the child’s specific needs.

At Leslie Law Firm, we know that many fathers shoulder the bulk of the parenting responsibilities yet are hesitant to seek child support due to outdated stigmas or a fear of being disbelieved. We are here to remind you that child support is not a personal victory or defeat—it is a legal tool to ensure your child’s well-being and stability.

If you believe you are eligible to receive child support, we can assist with initial filings, represent you in court proceedings, and ensure the final order reflects what is fair under New Jersey law.

Contact Our New Jersey Fathers’ Rights Lawyers

If you’re a father going through the divorce process, it may seem like the scales don’t tip in your favor, but our dedicated Morristown fathers’ rights lawyers are here to help level the playing field. Contact Leslie Law Firm today so we can assess your situation, and, from there, work to create a comprehensive strategy for your case.