Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz

Fathers' Rights

Fathers’ Rights Attorney in Arlington

Board-Certified Family Law Representation for Arlington Fathers

Texas law gives fathers the same standing as mothers under the best interests of the child standard, but that standard doesn’t enforce itself. Custody, paternity, and support disputes in Tarrant County family court involve real procedural complexity, and fathers who arrive without focused legal advocacy often leave with less parenting time than the law allows. At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, our board-certified family law attorneys have been representing Arlington fathers in these courts for over 60 years.

Board certification in family law is a credential held by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys. It signals tested knowledge and peer recognition that matter in contested parenting cases. David Kulesz has been recognized by Super Lawyers continuously since 2005, and clients have credited him specifically with custody outcomes that changed their families’ lives.

If you’re facing a custody dispute, paternity question, or support matter in Tarrant County, call our Arlington fathers’ rights attorneys today at (817) 587-6452. We’re ready to get to work.

Fathers’ Rights Cases We Handle

We represent fathers at every stage of a parenting dispute, whether the case arises from a divorce, a relationship that never involved marriage, or a need to change or enforce an existing order. Our scope includes:

Custody and conservatorship: Pursuing joint or primary managing conservatorship and negotiating possession and access schedules that reflect a father’s role
Paternity establishment: Filing in Tarrant County family court to establish legal parentage through genetic testing, temporary orders, mediation, or final hearing
Child support: Setting, contesting, and modifying support obligations as circumstances change
Order modification: Petitioning to change custody or support terms when a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the prior order
Order enforcement: Holding the other parent accountable when they violate a court order on visitation or support

In Texas, conservatorship divides into legal conservatorship, covering decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and similar matters, and physical possession, which determines where the child lives. We help fathers understand both dimensions and build a case that supports their goals on each.

Why Arlington Fathers Choose Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz

Our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to Tarrant County family court. That familiarity with how local judges analyze best interest factors and structure contested hearings shapes how we prepare every case. We know what evidence matters here and how to present it.

Arlington is one of the most diverse cities in Texas, and we communicate in five languages to serve clients who need clear, accessible counsel regardless of their background. The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest recognition that service awards for ethics and professional ability. Rigien Jackson was named to Arlington’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, reflecting the next generation of advocacy we bring to clients.

We return calls and emails promptly and keep you informed at every step. You won’t have to wonder what’s happening in your case.

Custody & Conservatorship in Tarrant County

Texas courts presume that joint managing conservatorship serves children’s best interests in most cases. That presumption doesn’t mean equal time, and it doesn’t mean the process is automatic. Judges in Tarrant County weigh each parent’s ability to provide stability, the child’s existing relationships, the child’s preferences depending on age, and any history of family violence or substance abuse. A father seeking to be named the primary conservator needs documented evidence of his involvement, his living situation, and his support network.

We help fathers build that record. Our approach involves identifying evidence that supports a father’s custody goals and advancing proposals that align with the child’s well-being in a way the court can credit. When parental alienation is a factor, when one parent is actively undermining the father’s relationship with the child, we pursue the remedies Texas courts can provide, including enforcement of visitation, reunification therapy, and custody modification where warranted.

Establishing Paternity for Unmarried Arlington Fathers

An unmarried father in Texas has no automatic legal rights to his child. Until paternity is formally established, he can’t pursue conservatorship, a possession schedule, or visitation through the courts. There are two paths to legal paternity: a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity signed by both parents, which can be completed at the hospital or later but may be rescinded within 60 days of the date it is filed with the Texas Vital Statistics Unit, or a court order following a paternity suit.

We handle paternity cases in Tarrant County family court from start to finish, including genetic testing orders, temporary orders, mediation, and final hearings. Once the court makes a finding of parentage, it can address conservatorship, possession and access, and child support in the same proceeding. Texas law also permits the court to order retroactive child support, and in some circumstances that obligation may extend back to the child’s birth.

Timing matters in paternity cases. When a child has no presumed, acknowledged, or adjudicated father, a suit to establish paternity may generally be filed at any time. When another man is the presumed father, Texas Family Code § 160.607 generally requires that a proceeding to adjudicate parentage be filed before the child’s fourth birthday, subject to narrow exceptions. A paternity suit may also be filed before the child is born. If you’re an unmarried father with questions about your rights, contact our Arlington fathers’ rights lawyers at (817) 587-6452.

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Why Clients Choose Us

The Right Legal Team Makes All the Difference

Client-Focused and Responsive Representation

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC, we prioritize clear and consistent communication. Our attorneys are committed to promptly returning calls and emails, keeping you informed at every step of your case.
Experienced Legal Advocacy Across Multiple Practice Areas
With 60+ years of experience, we provide top-tier representation in immigration, family law, personal injury, real estate, estate planning, and business law.
A Dedicated Team Ready to Fight for You
When legal issues arise, you need a team that acts fast. Our team gets to work immediately, using our expertise to protect your best interests and pursue the best possible outcome.
A Proven Track Record of Success

Our firm’s long history of service to Texans speaks for itself. Clients trust us for dedicated advocacy, personalized service, and strong results—time and time again.

What Our Clients Say

Michael S. wrote: “David is highly knowledgeable about father’s rights and can fight to protect your rights while protecting your children. I gained custody of my children.”

Tony wrote: “I am a single father and have custody of my children, thank you David Kulesz for believing that men can be great single parents too.”

Christopher noted that David Kulesz was attentive to every detail of his case and resolved a modification order as quickly as possible while keeping him informed throughout.

Talk to an Arlington Fathers’ Rights Lawyer Today

Parental rights don’t protect themselves. If you’re dealing with a custody dispute, need to establish paternity, or want to modify or enforce an existing order in Tarrant County, we can help you understand your options and take action. Call Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz at (817) 587-6452 or reach us through our online contact form. We can get to work as soon as you enlist our help.

Modifying & Enforcing Orders in Tarrant County

Life changes, and court orders sometimes need to change with it. In Texas, a parent can petition to modify a custody or support order when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the prior order was entered. Common triggers include a significant shift in either parent’s income, a proposed relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or evidence of a new danger to the child’s wellbeing.

When the other parent violates an existing order, whether by withholding visitation or failing to pay support, a father can file an enforcement motion in Tarrant County family court. Courts may hold a violating party in contempt. Texas law is clear on one point: child support and visitation are separate obligations. A father can’t withhold support over visitation problems, and a parent can’t deny visitation because support was missed. When rescheduling delays become a factor, resolving details outside court through mediation or agreement can keep things moving.

Navigating False Allegations & High-Conflict Custody Cases

False or exaggerated allegations of abuse or domestic violence are among the most serious threats a father can face in a custody proceeding. Texas courts can enter emergency protective orders that temporarily restrict a father’s access to his children, and the window for response is short. Prompt legal action matters.

We assist fathers in contested cases by gathering witness testimony and documentary evidence and, where appropriate, requesting that the court appoint an amicus attorney or guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests independently. Our firm also handles protective order hearings directly. If you’re facing contested allegations or a high-conflict custody situation in Arlington, call our fathers’ rights attorneys at (817) 587-6452 for a consultation.

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By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Real Clients. Real Results.

See how We’ve Helped Clients Navigate Their Legal Challenges

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"I highly recommend Virginia and the team at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz to anyone looking for an experienced and trustworthy immigration attorney."
I am very thankful to Virginia and to Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz for their support throughout my husband’s green card process. Virginia handled our marriage-based case with exceptional care and expertise, guiding us clearly through each stage and

- Saya K.
"Professional, courteous & respectful."
Everything was expedited in a very timely manner. Ms. Brown has been a great communicator and her instructions have been clear and helpful. I have appreciated their help and counsel throughout a difficult time.

- Former Client
"One of the most brilliant, and caring lawyers."
After consulting with numerous lawyers I decided on David Kulesz. He is one of the most brilliant, and caring lawyers. David is very competent and knows how to move quickly and strategically to protect your children, assets, and organization. I would highly recommend David.

- Patty G.
"David is AMAZING & is one of the most competent family law Attorney EVER!"
He honestly cares about the needs of his client and what’s in the best interest of the kids. I feel so blessed. I am a single father and have custody of my children, thank you David Kulesz for believing that men can be great single parents too.

- Tony
"I fully recommend Brent for divorce cases."
Brent was very instrumental in my case and was particularly good at listening to my needs. Divorce is a very sensitive matter and requires someone that understands this and works hard toward a quick resolution. I fully recommend Brent for divorce cases.

- Christian
"Efficient, organized, trustworthy."
She was also willing to answer our questions at any time almost instantly, including late at night and on weekends. She also offered to help us prepare for the interview. The experience working with her was very pleasant and she is a trustworthy attorney!

- Cynthia
"A great help understanding the process."
Virginia helped us navigate the process from start to finish, always being available, friendly, and efficient whenever we had questions.

- Steven
"Great advisor for all things immigration."
Virginia was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and all around great advisor when it came to filing and taking care of all of the documentation for us.

- Chelsea

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