Relationships - A fathers rights and responsibilities

Children need fathers.

And even if the parents are in conflict, it is vital for to remember that for their child's sake the father has certain legal rights and responsibilities too.

A positive, loving and supportive relationship with both parents is most desirable for a child's development. A father should be able to see, visit, phone and write to their child and may want to be included in special days such as birthdays, Christmas and other family or school events important to their child.

Any arrangements the parents make should be based on what is best for their child. If they need to go to Court to make these arrangements formal, the Court will consider your child's needs first and their right to keep in touch with both their parents, unless their safety may be at risk.

If the father is also the child's legal guardian, he will have a right to a say in important decisions relating to your child's welfare such as decisions about where they live, schooling, health, religion and travel overseas. He also has a right to be told about any big changes to the child's life.

The father also has a responsibility to help support the child financially and is required to pay child support even if he does not visit or see his child.
 

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