Embattled Fathers' Group

Sacramento, CA (707) 429-4734

What We Do

United Fathers of America, a nonprofit children's rights organization, assists caring parents in the following areas:

Divorce, Paternity, Dept of Child Support Services, Spousal Support, Time Sharing, Parenting Arrangements, Child Custody, Individual Consultations, Mediation and coaching.

Formed in 1976, we are a California nonprofit organization dedicated to children's rights. We help you understand the family court process that will directly affect you and your changing family. Our charter limits us to assisting in family court matters in the state of California. We help you organize your case, which can be just as valuable to you as the legal process itself. We provide experienced individuals who can help prepare court documents at a reduced rate, if requested. We also provide referrals to attorneys, counselors or other professional upon request.

We support parents who are committed to remaining involved in their children's lives. We believe all children deserve parental role models. As such, we believe the best parent is BOTH parents. We believe without BOTH parents' involvement, children are left to discover parental role models on their own, by their own methods and through their own devices, usually at their peril. We believe through the involvement of BOTH parents, the children's assurance of love and acceptance is secured; their self-esteem will be enhanced; and their sense of belonging is established.

We provide a supportive environment where you can gain the information, education and knowledge needed for your particular case. We actively challenge stereotypes and myths regarding parents and parental involvement. We help ensure active consistent involvement between parents and their children through empowering parents with information and education in all areas of the family court process.

The Program

United Fathers of America fulfills its purpose and accomplishes its mission by guiding dedicated parents through the perplexing and intimidating family court system. Such guidance has proven to increase parental accountability and acceptance of responsibility.

United Fathers of America assists primarily those who have no alternative sources for assistance, due to either financial, intimidation or misinformation barriers - the three (3) primary barriers preventing parents from remaining actively and positively involved with their children after the breakdown of the parents� relationship.

As a nonprofit organization, Untied Fathers of America provides a low cost alternative that lessens the financial burden for the restructuring family. Their educational process empowers parents to challenge the overwhelming intimidation factors, and their information, based on over a quarter of a century of experience, clarifies the misinformation and misconceptions presented to most families.

What it Costs

In a divorce or relationship breakup involving children, the "best interests of the child" is a good and noble concept; however, the meaning of this concept is many times lost in the adversarial process of the family court. United Fathers of America is devoted to the enduring qualities of families and to the notion that parental involvement does not end with the breakup of the parents' relationship. They continue this historical mandate by assisting parents with their attempts to remain actively involved in the lives of their children. Although United Fathers of America is low cost, it is not no cost.

Initial Visit

During the initial visit United Fathers of America will organize the case and the parent's will be given information and education about their situation. There is usually a nominal donation requested for this initial visit.

Membership

If a parent decides to continue with the services of United Fathers of America beyond the initial visit, membership is required. Membership entitles the parent to free unlimited consultations throughout their fiscal year.

Membership Renewal

Membership renewal is one-half (1/2) of the first year membership fee, if renewed on or before the expiration date.

Paperwork Preparation

If a parent chooses to have United Fathers of America prepare their court paperwork there is a separate charge for such paperwork preparation based on the amount of work requested to be done; however, all costs are outlined and explained prior to starting any paperwork.

Filing Fees

There are also filing fees charged by the court for paperwork that is filed. These fees will be outlined clearly during the initial visit to United Fathers of America.

Tax Deductible

In 1976, United Fathers of America was determined to be tax exempt by the California Franchise Tax Board and contributions to the organization became deductible by donors as provided by California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 17214 through 17216.2 and 24357 through 24359. Their State ID number is 0800712 and their State Charity Registration Number is 46390.

In 1979, United Fathers of America was approved as a tax exempt Internal Revenue Code 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Their Federal ID number is 95‑3338538.

United Fathers of America Is Successful

Mental health professionals and religious counselors attempt to work with the psychological and emotional issues of restructuring families. Attorneys attempt to work with the difficult legal aspects in family court. United Fathers of America is a nonprofit organization which approaches the wide spectrum of problems from all angles and offers you viable solutions through comprehensive programs based on experience and successful program development since 1975.

Part of the reason for the level of success is that everyone who works at United Fathers of America has experienced the family court process. Not only do they have years of experience in the office, they also have their own personal experiences and emotions to draw upon. Therefore, not only are you with professionals in their field, you are with fellow mothers and fathers who have been where you are now. United Fathers of America understands the painful, confusing, frustrating and many times traumatic experience the family court process can bring to all family members.

Parents come to United Fathers of America seeking to take personal responsibility for their own lives, regardless of the adversarial process which appears to be working against them and their restructuring families. With the assistance of United Fathers of America, parents are better prepared to confront both the legal and emotional process, thereby lessening the negative effects of the relationship breakup on all family members.

Although there can be no guarantee as to the success of any particular case, United Fathers of America assists parents in putting themselves in a more successful position. If a parent follows the program at United Fathers of America, they can walk away from the adversarial family court process with dignity, self‑respect and honor.

The majority of clients are referred by prior clients, which is the best advertisement of the professionalism and high standards to which United Fathers of America aspires. They also receive referrals from the Department of Child Support Services, Department of Social Services, Legal Aid offices, Court personnel, Court Facilitator�s offices, private attorneys, mediators and concerned others.

Bob S., The Corporate Executive

The Problem: Bob was a Vice President at a $10 billion company. He could afford the best attorneys in California. But after spending over $30,000 in legal fees and getting an increase in his child support and no real change in his visitation, he went to United Fathers of America and asked them to help. The Solution: When the attorney representing Bob�s �ex� called again and tried to reduce Bob�s visitation even further, Bob almost went crazy with frustration. Then the attorney agreed to compromise if Bob agreed to pay many more thousands of dollars in legal fees incurred by his �ex�. Bob placed his trust in United Fathers of America and worked with them to prepare a response exposing the other side�s case for the bullying that it was. The other attorney�s motion was denied and no legal fees were awarded. Bob prevailed in court; his visitation time was not reduced.

George C., The Truck Driver

The Problem George�s drivers license and his commercial license were taken away for allegedly failing to pay child support. Three attorneys stated that they couldn�t promise him anything, but for a $2,500.00 retainer, they �would try� to help George. Out of desperation, George turned to United Fathers of America, saying this was his �last ditch effort,� as he just didn�t have the $2,500.00. The Solution United Fathers of America suggested that George retrieve his file from the County Clerk�s office. They then took the time to organize George�s payment history and produced documentation which proved that George was, in fact, current with his most recent court order � it was being paid by the state mandated wage assignment. United Fathers of America made one telephone call and then faxed the facts to the District Attorney. Later that same day, the District Attorney faxed a �release of license� letter to George and he was able to continue working.

Susan P., The Penniless Housewife

The Problem Susan came to United Fathers of America saying her ex was refusing to pay support because she had a new man in her life. Although she worked part-time, she earned �too much� to receive state aid, yet �too little� to afford an attorney. She went to the Family Support Division of the District Attorney�s office, but they told her it could take 6 to 8 months before her case would be heard in court. Susan stated she could not last that long. The Solution Susan joined membership in United Fathers of America (a little known fact: Over 30% of clients are mothers!). Susan was in court within 45 days and had a child support order issued and payable by wage assignment. Susan was able to provide the necessities of life for her two small children.

Debbie and Don S., The Amicable Divorce

The Problem Debbie and Don decided to get a divorce, but wanted to be as reasonable with one another as possible. They each hired an attorney to handle their divorce because �that�s what people said we had to do to get divorced". Debbie paid her attorney a retainer of $1,500.00 and Don paid his attorney $3,500. After the first court hearing, both parents came to the same startling conclusion: Their attorneys were making up problems which even Debbie and Don did not know existed between them. In the heat of the adversarial court process, a fight between them was being created by others and they wanted no part in it. Confused by this process, they watched their legal fees grow. They had heard about the mediation experience of Marvin Chapman of Untied Fathers of America and they decided together to �give Marvin a try". Anything would be better than paying their attorneys to make up problems. The Solution The couple joined membership with United Fathers of America. They went through four (4) sessions of mediation and came to an agreement on all issues. A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) was prepared and signed by both parties. They took their agreement to their attorneys. Despite the fact that both attorneys did not like them working out their own agreement, both attorneys signed off on the Agreement.

Dave P., The Man Whose Children Were Taken Out of State

The Problem Dave�s wife had recently taken their children out of the State of California and filed for divorce in another state. Dave talked with his family and friends and was referred to an attorney. The attorney stated that since the mother was out of California, there was nothing that could be done. The Solution Dave went to United Fathers of America and asked for their assistance. After reviewing the documents and the case history, United Fathers of America proposed making a call to the mother�s attorney in the other state. The call focused on legal jurisdiction and concealment issues that United Fathers of America understands very well. Upon notifying the attorney in the other state that Dave was willing to fight for jurisdiction in California, the attorney asked Dave what he wanted. Dave outlined the exact custodial timeshare he desired and requested the mother pay for all transportation costs for visitation, since she had secretly moved out of California, preventing their children from having a normal father-child relationship. The attorney called back one hour later and said that the mother would agree, providing Dave did not contest jurisdiction. The matter was resolved to everyone�s satisfaction. In spite of the fact that Dave had been told that �nothing that could be done,� the children now have an opportunity to have a relationship with both parents.

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The Men's Center's mission is to assist men in finding male positive resources, information, and support. We seek to empower men to lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. This will ultimately be beneficial to all men, women and children. We are a non-profit educational service of The Men's Resource Network, Inc (MRN). MRN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created to educate and inform the public about men's issues.

Child Support Home Page

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Abuse-Excuse.com

ABUSE-EXCUSE.COM provides resource information and more to adults unjustly accused of child abuse, child neglect, sexual child abuse, child pornography via the Internet, "repressed" memories, sexual harassment, or domestic violence (spousal abuse).

National Fatherhood Initiative

The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) was founded in 1994 to lead a society-wide movement to confront the problem of father absence. NFI's mission is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers.

Single Fathers Kitchen

Do you have a great recipe? Do you have a helpful kitchen tip? Would you like to share you and your children's favorite recipes with other single fathers in an exciting new Web site and cookbook? Then take a look at this web site.

Orange

1651 E. Fourth Street, Suite 122 Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 558-7949 Get Directions

DONATION UTILIZATION

In existence for over 25 years, United Fathers has proven its sound track record of fiscal responsibility, with 73% of our expenditures directly related to providing space for and delivery of our programs and services, 16% for wages and benefits; 8% for travel and conferences; and 3% for miscellaneous expenses.

As 86% of all family law litigants represent themselves, United Fathers needs to increase public awareness through focused promotional materials targeted to those responsible parents who can most benefit from their services.

As such, it is expected that the majority of donations will be utilized for public outreach programs (workshops, classes, major printing projects such as workbooks) and other related educational activities.

DONATING TO UNITED FATHERS IS GOOD BUSINESS

Family court is a multi-billion dollar business in California. Most of the cost for this business is bore by the 'little people', the ones who can least afford it.

Not included in the multi-billion dollar figure above is your lost business due to your employee taking off time from work to prepare their family court case, calling in sick (or making up a sickness due to depression or financial problems), their lack of full work production due to distractions or concerns about their family court situation, or maybe just not showing up to work at all.

Is family court affecting you? Ask yourself: How many people do you know have gone through a divorce, a relationship breakup, or do you know of anyone who has been involved in a custody, visitation or child support problem? The majority of people going through a family court matter will perform at a greatly reduced level directly due to their family court situation. These are, or could be, your employees.

United Fathers could directly benefit you by providing your employees with information and education about their family court situation, helping them to separate the legal issues from the emotional issues - and how to deal with both. The program at United Fathers will empower your employees with the tools they need to confront the family court system with confidence and assurance. More importantly, they will return from their experience with their dignity still intact.

Another major benefit to you is the reduced amount of time off from work and the increased level of work performance for your employees who go through the programs available at United Fathers. Your donation assures that United Fathers will be here not only for your current employees, but your future employees as well.

Marvin Chapman, MFT, is both the President of United Fathers and Director of the Orange County Branch Office. Mr. Chapman is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #27081), a Diplomat of Clinical Forensic Counselor (#F16841) and a registered legal document assistant (LDA #158, Orange County) with over 23 years of experience with United Fathers.

Your tax deductible donation to United Fathers of America, Orange County Branch, will directly help United Fathers assist your employees who are facing the intimidating family court system. United Fathers Internal Revenue Code 501(c)3 nonprofit Federal Identification Number is 95-3338538, their State Identification Number is 0800712, and their State Charity Registration Number is 46390.

Referrals

At this time United Fathers of America can only assist families in the state of California. Please see our office locations for the one closest to you.

We are currently working on a national referral list of organizations and attorneys that subscribe to our philosophy and dedication to children and their parents. Please see the list below that have already been identified as adhering to this policy.

We currently get numerous requests for help in geographic areas that we do not cover. If you are an organization or attorney that would like to be included in this referral list please contact us.

Equal Rights for Divorced Fathers

Las Vegas, NV (702) 387-6266

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.

VISION

A society wherein attitudes and public opinion affirms children's rights to the continued involvement of both their mothers and fathers, physically and emotionally as well as financially. United Fathers of America believes such a vision will be possible when family court is taken out of the adversarial court process and developed into an information, education, mediation, negotiation and arbitration process.

PURPOSE

To enhance the quality of life for children, whose rights are often ignored during and after the relationship breakdown or divorce of their mothers and fathers.

MISSION

The mission of United Fathers of America is to enhance parental involvement in the lives of their children, physically and emotionally as well as financially, during and after the breakdown of their parents relationship, by providing education, information and empowerment to responsible mothers and fathers.