Fathers Rights Lawyer in Shreveport

Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children

If a separation, divorce, or custody dispute is changing how and when you see your children, it can feel like your role as a father is suddenly at risk. In this moment, you may be wondering what rights you actually have and how to protect them. As a father's rights attorney, we help dads understand their options and take clear, steady steps forward.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we represent fathers in and around Shreveport who want to stay actively involved in their children’s lives. Our firm is led by founding attorney Ryan E. Gatti, who has lived and worked in Shreveport and Bossier City his entire life. We use that deep local insight, along with a family-focused approach, to guide you through custody, visitation, and support decisions.

We know this is not just a legal problem. It is your time with your children, your schedule, and your peace of mind. Our goal is to listen, explain the law in plain language, and work with you on a plan that fits your family and your values.

Contact us today at (318) 633-0186 to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Father's Rights in Louisiana

In Louisiana, fathers have the same legal rights and responsibilities as mothers when it comes to raising their children. These rights include:

• Custody and Visitation: Fathers have the right to seek joint or sole custody of their children and to obtain a parenting plan that allows meaningful visitation.
• Paternity Establishment: Legally establishing paternity ensures fathers can make decisions about their children’s upbringing and have access to custody and visitation rights.
• Child Support Responsibilities: Fathers are legally required to provide financial support, but also have the right to request fair adjustments if circumstances change.

Having a knowledgeable Shreveport father's rights lawyer ensures these rights are protected and enforced according to Louisiana law.

Challenges Unique to Fathers

Fathers often encounter legal and societal challenges that can make securing their parental rights more complicated. Some of these include:

• Custody Bias: Despite legal equality, some fathers face biases in custody hearings, with courts sometimes assuming mothers should be the primary caregivers.
• Limited Visitation: Fathers may struggle to secure regular visitation schedules, especially when co-parenting conflicts arise.
• Paternity Disputes: Without legally established paternity, fathers may be denied access to their children or decision-making authority.
• Child Support Conflicts: Fathers may face disputes over child support amounts, modifications, or enforcement issues.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we are aware of these obstacles and work tirelessly to ensure fathers have equal footing in family court. Our team advocates for fair custody arrangements, visitation rights, and financial responsibilities.

How a Shreveport Father's Rights Attorney Can Help

Navigating family law in Louisiana can be complex. Our Shreveport father's rights attorney can provide critical support in the following areas:

• Custody and Visitation: We help fathers obtain custody arrangements that reflect their involvement and ensure consistent, meaningful time with their children.
• Establishing or Contesting Paternity: Our attorneys guide fathers through establishing legal paternity or challenging disputes to secure their parental rights.
• Modification of Orders: Life changes may require adjustments to custody or child support agreements. We assist fathers in filing modifications when circumstances warrant.
• Legal Representation in Court: Whether negotiating settlements or representing you in court, our attorneys provide assertive and knowledgeable advocacy.

By retaining a dedicated attorney, fathers gain a stronger voice in decisions affecting their children’s future.

Father's Rights FAQs

Q: Do fathers have the same custody rights as mothers in Louisiana?

A: Yes. Louisiana law grants fathers equal rights to seek custody and visitation. Courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests, not gender.

Q: How can I establish paternity?

A: Paternity can be established voluntarily through a signed acknowledgment or through a court order requiring genetic testing if disputed.

Q: Can visitation be modified if circumstances change?

A: Yes. Fathers can petition the court to modify visitation schedules based on changes in work, relocation, or the child’s needs.

Q: What if the mother refuses to allow visitation?

A: A Shreveport father's rights attorney can file a petition to enforce visitation rights and, if necessary, seek legal remedies for noncompliance.

Q: Can fathers request joint custody?

A: Absolutely. Fathers can request joint custody, and courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents to participate in the child’s life, provided it serves the child’s best interest.

Why Fathers Choose Our Firm

When you look for a father's rights lawyer, you are not just looking for legal knowledge. You want someone who understands what it feels like to face the possibility of less time with your kids. We start by listening. In our first conversations, we ask about your relationship with your children, your work schedule, and what you hope your parenting time will look like in the months and years ahead.

Our firm is rooted in this community. Ryan E. Gatti has spent his life in Shreveport and Bossier City, and our team appears in family courts that serve this area. That local connection helps us understand how Caddo Parish and nearby courts tend to approach custody schedules, decision-making for children, and support. We use that knowledge to prepare you for what to expect, instead of leaving you guessing.

We also bring a wide range of courtroom experience to family law matters. Our team includes a former prosecutor turned defense lawyer, so we are used to building cases, reviewing evidence, and presenting arguments in front of judges. This background is especially important when fathers face high-conflict situations or allegations that could affect custody. We work to present your story clearly and respectfully, with a steady focus on your children’s best interests.

Throughout your case, we keep communication clear and direct. We explain your options in everyday terms, answer questions, and discuss the possible risks and benefits of each choice. This approach is designed to lower your stress and help you make decisions with confidence, rather than out of fear.

To discuss your situation with our team, call (318) 633-0186.