For many years, fathers were relegated to the role of only being breadwinners with little attention given to any emotional comfort that they could provide their child.  Mothers were considered the natural caretaker and a father receiving greater parental rights over a mother was an uncommon occurrence unless there was extreme misconduct on the mother’s part.

However, after much research on the impact of losing a relationship with either parent, courts and legislators have modified their approach.  These establishments now recognize the importance that fathers play in their children’s lives and the impact that they have as role models, especially as same-sex role models.

This shift has caused states to pass laws that state that a preference will not be given to either parent because of their gender.  Additionally, many states have passed laws that have a presumption that joint custody shall be presumed to be in the best interest of the child in the event of divorce.

The desire for men to be more than just a paycheck has led to multiple organizations and law firms that focus only on fathers’ rights.  These entities have provided support for the Fathers’ Rights Movement, which supports fathers having as much time with their children as possible, the establishment of laws to support fathers’ rights and the establishment of processes to encourage this ongoing relationship.

Fathers’ rights organizations also help explain the rights that fathers have and how to trigger these rights.  In many locations, an unwed father must petition the court to establish his paternity in order to be recognized as a legal parent.  Additionally, many states offer a registry in which a father can ensure that he is associated with a particular child so that if the child is ever placed for adoption, he will receive notification and the ability to contest the process.