Finding Other Fathers for Comfort and Support through Meetup.com

Sometimes, it is important to know that you are not the only one going through a divorce and/or a custody case. Knowing others have been in the same boat and reaching out to them is probably one of the best things you can do to help support YOURSELF through what you're going through.

Sites such as meetup.com are a perfect way to meet other single fathers fighting for custody of their children through the courts.  Not only are there specific "fathers rights" meetups throughout the nation, but there are also a number of support groups that meet up in various cities and metropolitan areas to help get dads together to share their stories.

Consider checking out meetup.com for father's rights support groups to help find that foundation to help you stand and find the strength to move forward in your own child custody case.

Remember, become a fan of the National Brotherhood of Fathers Rights on Facebook to learn of new, informative articles and new stories that pertain to you, the father!

Taxes and Child Custody: Joint Physical Custody of My Child and No Court Order Regarding Who Gets to Claim Child on Taxes?

There is no court order in regards to who gets to claim our children on their taxes each year.  IRS code states that the custodial parent (or the parent with whom the child lives with) automatically receives the tax deduction.  What happens if I have no court order regarding who gets to claim the child, and I have joint physical custody of my children?

When the children are split equally time-wise and there is no court order, it can be more difficult to determine who gets to “technically” claim the children each year.  If you and your ex cannot come to an agreement or an arrangement on who claims when, then you have two options—you can either go back to court to have a judge rule and create an order that works best for the two of you, or you could actually figure out who had the children most during the last year.

With no court order, you need to go with what is set forth in Section 152 of the IRS tax code.  Physical time with each parent is considered by how many nights the child stayed at the parent's place.  So out of 365 days, how many days did the children spend the night with you?  If it is less than with your ex, then your ex could legally claim the exemption.  If the children spent more time with you, then you have the right to claim them and claim head of household as well.  As long as your children spent the night at your place for 183 days out of the year or more, then you can claim the children on your taxes and receive the child tax exemption.  If doing it this way, you would need your ex to sign the IRS Form 8332, “Release of Claim to Exemption for Child of Divorced or Separated Parents.”

For more questions and answers regarding taxes and child exemptions and deductions, click here!

Specific Case Law Examples for Your Fathers' Rights Custody Case

When it comes to writing a compelling court argument, it is important that you reference certain case law and past cases that have dealt with similar issues. Here is a quick list of cases to reference and research further into to help you in pursuing your custody case pro se, whether you're on the defense or the offense:

Jarrett v. Jarrett (1982) 102 S. Ct 1388 - If dealing with an ex-wife that is attempting to terminate your rights as a father.

Craig v. Boren. 429 U.S. 190, 197-199 (1976) - Proof that the courts cannot subject men and women to disparate treatment. This case states that men and women cannot be treated unequally.

Roe v. Wade. 410 U.S. 113 (1972), 162-63 - Regarding the fundamental rights a parent has to care for their children.

Dunn v. Blumstein, 405 U.S. 330, 342 - Can be paired with the above Roe v. Wade as it is additional case law regarding fundamental rights of parents.

Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-35 (1925) - Case that proved fathers should be free from unreasonable State interference when raising their child/children.

Lehr v. Robertson 463 U.S. 248. *264: 103 S. Ct. 2985 - In regards to existence of substantial relationship as criterion in best interests of the child.

Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 399 (1923) - Proving the right the conceive and raise one's child

May v. Andersen. 345 U.S. 528. 533 (1953) - Proves that father's "rights far more precious...than property rights" when it comes to raising their children.

A little research into these case law references may help you with your father's rights case. There are a number of important cases, both locally and federally, that may assist you in protecting your rights as a father.

Dennis Gac is widely known as "The World's premier fathers rights Consultant!" But why would you care? Well, I'll tell you if you rush over to his site... I think you'll come to your own conclusion that he "IS" the real deal! Experience someone who works and thinks outside the box for you! Read what others have to say at.... http://www.fathershelphotline.com/.

Trend of 50/50 Custody is Growing

Holly Davis, a family lawyer in Austin, Texas, has released information that shows that 50/50 joint physical custody is becoming a more popular trend in America today.

"You're definitely seeing more 50/50 custody situations, and I think that's attributed in large part to changing gender roles," says Davis.  "More women are pursuing careers, and more men are choosing to focus on their children."

This is a great thing to hear; however, it does not mean that 50/50 physical custody arrangements are a good fit for every family.  Some circumstances may make it difficult or impossible, such as location of the parents, the communicative abilities of both parents, and the willingness for each parent to be a positive influence on the children instead of causing arguments and negative energy whenever the kids are dropped off or picked up by the other parent.  Just like there is no cookie-cutter divorce, there will never be a cookie-cutter custody arrangement that works for every family.

Read more about Holly Davis' findings on PRWeb.com!

Father Gets Rights by Judge to Baptize his Child in the Catholic Church

A huge step in courtroom rulings happened last week—a judge ruled that a father from Illinois could have his child baptized within the Catholic church, which was the religion that he was raised with. This happened after an extended court battle with his ex-wife during their divorce case. This is an amazing step for courts, and now this brings up the question of how much a judge can intervene when it comes to the religious upbringing of children of divorce.


Read more about this story at PRNewsWire.com regarding this successful breakthrough in the courts for fathers’ rights!

Chicago-based Father Fights for Custody from Non-Related Couple

Earlzell Orr, the father of an 11-year-old boy in Chicago, Illinois, is headed to court today to fight for custody from a non-related couple that gained temporary, emergency custody after the death of his mother. 

Orr is fighting to get custody of his son since the court has not yet granted temporary or permanent possession of the child, but yet they have access to the mother's bank accounts which is where the child support payments have been deposited.  One of the adults given emergency custody is also a convicted felon, and attorneys specializing in fathers' rights are petitioning for custody on behalf of Orr.

Our thoughts are with Orr as he fights for what he rightfully deserves--his son!

For more information regarding this court date, see the full press release here.

WCCO Article Discussing the Shift in Family Courts

When it comes to divorce and custody cases in the family law courtroom, it seems that there has been a substantial shift that gives fathers a new "edge" against their wives when it comes to getting custody of their children.  

Minnesota's WCCO News anchor Jason DeRusha recently delved into the amazing shift happening in family law courtrooms, the fact that judges are loosening up in terms of their "biased" favoritism of women who come forward, wanting sole custody of their children.

Pamela Waggoner of the Minnesota Bar Association, stated, "I think it's a reflection of a change in society. You no longer have the traditional family unit where there's one breadwinner and one stay at home parent. Right now, you have two people -- where both people work,"  No longer can anyone rule in favor of the "tender years doctrine," which claimed younger children were automatically better off with their mother due to the care-taking responsibilities that mothers once had as stay-at-home moms and homemakers.

To read more about this amazing breakthrough in family law, check out the WCCO article by Jason DeRusha here.

"Why? Because She Wears a Skirt and I Don't." -Bob Norton, MA

Bob Norton
clevelenterprises.com

Bob Norton of Massachuessets has been burned in the past with a horrible divorce that resulted in little, limited custody with his children.  His divorce has left him to file bankruptcy, give up his pre-marital home, and also left him in the situation of an unfair court order for child custody and visitation.  As he stated in his video taken during the ACFC (American Coalition for Fathers and Children) Conference on September 15, 2006:

"And so now I see my children about two hours a week under supervised visitation because my wife, who has had a 15-year emotional instability history and psychiatric treatment and is on drugs for mood control, suffers from four or five different symptoms and conditions that sometimes converge, has complete control of my children.  Why?  Because she wears a skirt and I don't.  That's how the systems work today--the judges are overloaded, they rubber stamp, they go to lunch, and that's a higher priority than getting justice and getting whats best for the children."  (See YouTube video below for full audio)

Recently, there has been news from Boston.com that Massachusetts State Senator Cynthia Creem has been "attacked" by Bob Norton, who runs and maintains the website FathersUnite.org.  He has reportedly been distributing flyers around the area that claim Creem is attempting to "block legislation that would reform state alimony laws."  This comes about because she is also a divorce attorney, and the purpose of the flyer is to encourage others to not vote for Creem during the September primaries.  She claims that the information on the flyer is untrue, is not based on any fact, and although disparaging, is looking forward to running for re-election for the 13th year as state Senate.

Best-Selling Author Louis de Bernieres Shares his Story of Despair

Louisdebernieres.co.uk

Known for penning the book "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," Louis de Bernieres has come public about how his recent family split has caused him a great deal of depression and despair due to his limited access to his children.

Living in the United Kingdom, de Bernieres revealed the pain and depression his parter Cathy Gill caused him after taking custody of their two children, ages five and two, and limiting the access he had to them.  This led him to become a patron of Families Need Fathers (or FNF).

In an article with Emily Andrews, de Bernieres states:

"It was really dreadful...the worst thing, practically, was finding the house so quiet, because it was always so full of laughter and rampaging and stampeding.  There was always a lot of noise and fun, and it suddenly went quiet...the emotional desolation is hard to describe.  There were many times when I felt suicidal.  One of the most extreme things you feel is a fantastically deep, bitter, anger at being treated so outrageously."

This is a perfect example of the rights fathers need and should have in the courtroom when it comes to their children.  The effect of losing one's children can be devastating, and de Bernieres is publicly speaking out about how the break up affect not only the kids but him as a father.

Dayton, Ohio Adoption Case Strengthening Father's Rights for their Children

In Dayton, Ohio, one case regarding an adopted two-year-old girl has brought national attention to adoption rules and how the "system" works when it comes to a father's rights to their children and their ability to stop adoption proceedings that occur without their okay.

The article from The Columbus Dispatch quotes Susan Eisenman, an adoption lawyer from the Upper Arlington area: "I don't think it's hit people yet just how persuasive this might be...if the guy doesn't want the adoption to go forward, all he has to do is file a paternity suit."

This might be a big step for fathers' rights in the eyes of the adoption industry.  Read more here!

--National Brotherhood of Fathers' Rights

Ricard Martinez of Racine, Wisconsin Camps Outside Courthouse to Encourage Others to Join for Fathers' Rights Rally

JournalTimes.com photo, Ricardo
Martinez stands up for fathers' rights!

Let down by the courthouse a number of times in his own divorce and fathers' rights case, Ricardo Martinez, 34, of Racine, Wisconsin is now unemployed, homeless, and rallying for his kids from outside the Racine County Courthouse.  He's been burned by the courthouse, as have other fathers before him, when it comes to custody and visitation of his kids, and he's not going to take it quietly!

("Father Camping Out by Courthouse, Advertising Rally" Article by JournalTimes.com can be found here)

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010, outside of the Racine County Courthouse at 9 a.m., 730 Washington Avenue, Martinez will be joined by at least 150 fathers protesting the courthouse for their choice in distanting fathers from their children.  In fact, Martinez also rallied back in March by carrying a homemade wooden cross around the courthouse for a week.

All I have to say is, GO RICARDO!  If enough fathers step up to the plate to have their voices heard, perhaps the courts will understand that parenting is a two-person job, and requires BOTH the Mother and the Father to have equal time and justice!

Finally, One Country GETS IT!

I'm appalled that the United States court has NOT had such a positive ruling for fathers like Germany has recently put into place.  As stated in this article on this website, "Germany's constitutional court gave unmarried fathers greater custodial powers...when judges said the current law violates basic parental rights."

"The constitutional judges said there was nothing wrong with initially granting custody to the mother if a child is born out of wedlock; however, they said it infringed on the father's rights if he had no legal recourse to challenge that decision or request joint custody."

Finally, someone GETS IT!  Read more about this story here, and lets continue to fight in the US for the same parental rights deemed appropriate for Germany.  If it's good enough for Germany, it's good enough for us!

National Brotherhood of Fathers' Rights is on Facebook! Come Join Us!

As some of you may have already noticed, we're on Facebook!  Please, check us out, "like" us, and spread the love to your friends--invite everyone you know that believes that both parents are best to join our cause!  Fathers have rights, too, and the more people know, the more they will understand the importance of fatherhood in every child's life!  Hopefully, down the line, we can all band together to eliminate sexism in the courtroom and show that a child with their father in their lives is the best possible outcome of any divorce!  Click the link below to go to our Facebook fan page to "like" us and share with the ones you love!

National Brotherhood of Fathers' Rights on Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support!

One Father Speaks Out About His Struggles With The Courtroom and Fathers' Rights

Rodney Gehly wrote the "Father's Rights Song" that was recently posted on YouTube for all to enjoy.  It talks about the struggles with what's really, truly right and in the best interest of the children, and speaks from the heart.

I wrote this song awhile back when I was in the middle of a divorce. I feel very fortunate that I have joint custody of my two sons. I was amazed at the blatant, open discrimination that fathers face in our so-called "justice" system. Every divorced father that I speak with seems to have a horror story to tell regarding their financial and custody arrangement handed down by a judge.

What's even more amazing is that this corrupt system continues every day here in America. Women are very hype to how this system works and file for a "protective order" or "restraining order" merely as a tactic to gain custody of the children...which also by default will gain her the home and child support. A woman can commit adultery and still be awarded everything in court. As long as judges keep rewarding the bad behavior of some women...the more this manipulation will continue.

"No Fault" divorce is not working and a very big part of the problem. What would happen if we took this concept of "No Fault" into the business world?  You could simply choose not to honor any contracts signed. The business world would fall apart overnight. Guess what?..that's what has happened in the "marriage" world and it has fallen apart. Our court system is basically a cash cow for low life attorneys, biased judges, and bad women.  

I want to state that I appreciate the many good women that love God and their families. And I hope you enjoy the song...it's meant to encourage fathers to not give up.

This song is for every man out there that feels as though they have hit rock bottom in the courtrooms, that feel as though the system is not on their side, and who are looking for that light at the end of the tunnel.  Enjoy!

Welcome to the Fathers' Rights Help blog!

Thank you for visiting the Fathers' Rights Help Blog, started and maintained by one of the world's premier fathers' rights mentors, Dennis Gac.

When it comes to fighting for your rights as a father in the courtrooms, whether it be gaining custody of your child and setting up child support payments from an ex-girlfriend or fighting your ex-wife for visitation or custody of your children from your marriage, Dennis Gac can help advise you as to how to find success in the courtroom, regardless of the "pro-Mother" courtroom and family law.

This blog will be a constant and continual source of information for fathers looking to gain custody of their kids, increase their visitation, or for anyone looking to help someone that they know that is losing their battle in the courtroom.  We will include up-to-date information on changing custody arrangements allowed in family law, tips and techniques to help you find success in the courtroom, and even common questions and answers that fathers (and the ones that love them) tend to ask during legal battles.

We hope that you continue to visit the Fathers' Rights Help Blog (conveniently located at fathersrightshelpblog.com--bookmark it now!), and follow it regularly to ensure you have the latest information and the positive techniques and tricks that you can use in order to succeed in the courtroom and get the chance to enjoy fatherhood to its fullest!

Dennis Gac
Founder of the National Brotherhood of Fathers' Rights
http://www.fathershelphotline.com