A father should have the same rights as the mother whether they have ever been married or not. However, in the past, this has not been the case. Fathers everywhere have now begun to contest the courts so that they too can be more active members in their children's lives. Fathers can sometimes receive the "bad" end of the deal when it comes to custody and visitation issues. The fathers' rights movement has become a social movement that just doesn't consist of fathers, but also second wives, other family members and so on. Fathers should have the same rights as mothers and the court system seems to be taking all of this into consideration throughout some of its more recent rulings; however, fathers everywhere still have a long road to overcome when it comes to their rights. Know what your rights are as a father. Seek legal advice from someone, such as an attorney that knows family law and not Uncle Joe. Fathers' rights vary from state to state and you will need the help of an attorney to make sure you get what you deserve.