Father’s Rights

Father’s Rights lawyers serving Akron

Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.

At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we understand how deeply fathers care about their children — and how frustrating and confusing it can be to feel excluded from major decisions or access to your child. Whether you are navigating parenthood after a breakup or facing a contested custody case during divorce, we are here to advocate for your rights and your role as a father.



We work with fathers throughout Summit, Portage, Medina, Stark, and surrounding counties to establish legal paternity, assert custody rights, and secure fair parenting time. From the first consultation, we provide clarity and guidance so that you can focus on building and protecting your relationship with your child.

Understanding Paternity and Legal Rights

In Ohio, if a child is born outside of marriage, the father must take legal action to establish paternity before he is entitled to custody, visitation, or decision-making authority. Even if you have been active in your child’s life or are paying child support, those actions alone do not give you enforceable rights under the law. Many fathers are surprised to learn they have no legal standing until a court formally establishes their paternity.



Our attorneys help fathers initiate paternity actions, respond to existing filings, and navigate the legal process of securing parental rights. We explain what steps are needed and guide you through the documents and hearings that result in legal recognition and court-ordered custody or parenting time.

Custody and Parenting Time in Divorce Cases

For fathers going through divorce, questions often arise about how much time they will have with their children. Some clients worry they will be limited to a “weekend dad” role or that the court will automatically favor the mother. Ohio law does not presume that one parent is more fit than the other based on gender. Courts are required to focus on the best interests of the child — and that includes meaningful involvement from both parents.



We help fathers pursue shared parenting plans, full or joint custody, and equal access schedules when appropriate. Our legal team is committed to dismantling outdated assumptions and advocating for parenting arrangements that reflect your role in your child’s life.

What We Can Do for You

At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we help fathers at every stage of their legal journey. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity or defend your custody rights in court, we provide experienced representation with a focus on protecting your relationship with your child.

Here's how we support you:

File or respond to a paternity action in juvenile court

We initiate and defend paternity cases so that fathers can be legally recognized and granted full parental rights under Ohio law.

Draft parenting plans that reflect your time and involvement

We help create Shared Parenting Plans or Sole Custody Petitions that outline parenting schedules, school decisions, and communication guidelines in the child’s best interest.

Prepare and submit required affidavits and support documents

Our attorneys assist with the Parenting Proceeding Affidavit, Health Insurance Verification Form, and Affidavit of Income and Expenses to support custody and support requests.

Represent you in hearings, trials, and modifications

Whether you're seeking to establish rights, enforce an existing order, or modify parenting time, we advocate for you in court and at every stage of the legal process.

Guide you through mediation or settlement options when appropriate

For fathers pursuing cooperative parenting solutions, we represent your interests in settlement conferences, mediation, or collaborative family law sessions.

When to Call a Father’s Rights Attorney

If you are a father facing uncertainty about your role in your child’s life — whether because of separation, divorce, or lack of legal paternity — it is important to seek legal counsel as early as possible. Timing, documentation, and proper filing can all impact your ability to gain access or preserve your parental rights.



At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we believe that children benefit from strong, loving relationships with both parents. We are here to help you assert your rights and protect your place in your child’s future.

FAQS

  • Do I need to file anything to have rights as a father?

    Yes. If you were not married to the child’s mother, you must establish legal paternity in court. This is the first step in gaining custody or visitation rights.

  • Can I get shared parenting even if the mother disagrees?

    Possibly. Courts evaluate parenting plans based on the child’s best interests. If shared parenting is appropriate, we can present evidence and advocate for equal or meaningful parenting time.

  • Does paying child support give me legal rights?

    No. Paying child support does not automatically grant custody or visitation rights. You must file a paternity or custody action to secure those legal rights.

  • What if I think the child is not mine?

    We can help you request genetic testing as part of a paternity case. If the child is not biologically yours, the court may terminate legal obligations such as support.

  • Can I change my custody arrangement later?

    Yes. If circumstances change, you may file a motion to modify custody or parenting time. We help evaluate your case and present evidence for why the current arrangement should be changed.

  • What if I’ve worked with another attorney before?

    That’s not a problem. We frequently take over or review existing cases. We’ll request your file, assess where things stand, and build a plan to move forward with continuity and care.

Contact Hoover Kacyon, LLC Today

At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we help individuals and families throughout Akron, Canton, and Northern Ohio find clarity and resolution during life’s most personal legal challenges. Whether you're pursuing a divorce, considering a dissolution, or responding to unexpected legal action, we’re here to help.


Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to schedule a private consultation with an experienced divorce attorney.

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