Background

Research has shown the greatest stress we will experience in our lifetime is the death of an immediate family member. The second greatest stress we will experience is involvement in the family court process; divorce, paternity, custody, visitation, support and related issues. In family court, we are confronted not only with the emotional aspects of our particular family situation, but also with a confusing and overwhelming legal system. During this emotional transition, it is our children who are overlooked and suffer the most.

United Fathers of America, a California nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation, has been helping parents and their children since 1976. The primary purpose of United Fathers is to enhance the quality of life for children, whose rights are often ignored during and after the breakdown of the parents’ relationship.

To enhance the quality of life for children, it has been shown that both parents must be involved. United Fathers of America provides its programs and services to all parents, regardless of gender, religious beliefs, age, ethnic or social-economic background. Exhaustive studies have indicated when both parents remain active in the lives of their children, child support collection is significantly increased and juvenile delinquency (sex, drugs and crime) is significantly decreased.

United Fathers of America empowers parents with information about the family court process and provides education on how parents can become pro-active and responsible for their own affairs.

Parents have the right to obtain such information and education as granted and protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. The United States Supreme Court confirmed these rights when it ruled that a state can not improperly regulate an association which is formed for a stated purpose and exists to assists its members in achieving that purpose, including the exchange of legal ideas and information [NAACP v. Button (1963) 371 US 415, 9 L ed 2d 405, 83 S Ct 328] - reviewed by attorney’s Charles DelMuro and Justice Rovin.

As Registered Legal Document Assistance (LDA) United Fathers of America may also assist parents in preparing their court documents if they choose to represent themselves. If a parent chooses to hire an attorney, United Fathers of America can make referrals to attorneys who have proven track records. They also refer to therapists, psychologists and other professionals when needed or requested.