Fathers without the right to paternity: family law mechanisms for balancing the interests of fathers and children

Relevance . The increasing divorce rates in Russia give rise to pressing legal and social challenges, particularly concerning the rights of children and fathers. Legal doctrine reveals a significant gap in both normative and ideological protection of fathers’ rights, resulting in discriminatory practices, especially in the resolution of disputes over child residence and visitation. This article urges the academic community to reconsider current presumptions and underscores the necessity of developing a legal framework aimed at establishing a robust institution of fatherhood, a matter that is particularly pertinent in the contemporary context. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze gaps in the regulation of legal aspects of fatherhood within national legislation, to develop fundamental principles for the institution of fatherhood, and to ensure the equality of parental rights in matters concerning the protection of children’s interests. The objectives tasks encompass an analysis of law enforcement practices in the sphere of fatherhood, a study of existing legal norms and doctrines, and the formulation of proposals aimed at establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the institution of fatherhood in Russia. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of legal norms, judicial practice, sociological and psychological data. Systemic, comparative-legal and formal-logical methods were used to identify gaps in the regulation of fathers' rights and to develop proposals for their elimination. The results of the research demonstrate that the absence of a formal institution of fatherhood within Russian legislation results in discriminatory practices against fathers in judicial proceedings, particularly concerning the determination of a child’s residence and restrictions on parental access. Recommendations have been developed for the establishment of a fatherhood framework and legal reforms aimed at safeguarding the interests of both children and parents. The conclusion of the study is the need to revise law enforcement practice and develop the legal institution of paternity, which will eliminate discrimination against men in family legal relations and create equality of rights for parents.