If you are a father, chances are you would do just about anything for your child. As the popular saying goes, “sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.” Even if you have made mistakes as a father, if you are facing a court proceeding, marital strife, or any charge or potential charge that you think jeopardizes the role you play as a father, you may be wondering where to turn. Who can you trust? There are dedicated and sympathetic family lawyers who specifically focus on the rights of men – the rights of fathers.

After taking the initial step of securing counsel, you may be interested in seeking out other resources, such as the group, Fathers for Virginia, A group which describes itself as “a political action group of non-custodial fathers working for the right of fathers and their children in the Commonwealth to be able to have both parents involved in the lives of their children equally for the betterment of all parties concerned.” This mission is close to the heart of many men; most fathers would agree that if a mother is fit, then his goal is not to exclude his child from her life. While fairness and honesty are virtues all courts strive for, the reality is that experience with the legal system can make all the difference.

Another resource for fathers facing difficult family circumstances is the group known as RADAR, which stands for “Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting.” This group describes itself as “a non-profit, non-partisan organization of men and women working to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s approach to solving domestic violence.” It even accepts donations on its homepage to bring about change. This article exemplifies the type of case RADAR and other similar groups seek to minimize: “Woman Takes Out Restraining Order, Talks To Ex, Then Has Ex Arrested For Telling Her He’s Not Allowed To Talk To Her.”

“Restraining Order Abuse” is a term springing up across the United States. This Boston news source explains one man’s struggles. What exactly is restraining order abuse, and how does it affect men? Consider that temporary restraining orders have been issued, according to some advocates, as a result of “a [mere] look of death,” and further, that more than 75% of domestic violence plaintiffs are female.[2] According to Charles E. Corry, Ph.D., men with protection orders against them have gone to jail for things such as: sending their child a card; returning the phone call of a child; attending public events to watch a child perform or play a sport; attending a religious event like a first communion; and many other sad examples.

Your Virginia Beach and Norfolk Family Lawyer is equipped with the legal expertise to provide you with information and representation – he is prepared to also equip you with the knowledge you need ensure you are able to forever exercise your parental rights to the maximum extent at law.

[1] This quote is actually from a woman, Ruth Henkel

[2] Abuse of Protection Orders, Charles E. Corry, Ph.D., sponsored by the Equal Justice Foundation