Another Step Forward at the Capitol with Senator Bill Weber – And the Launch of the "Real Dad" Initiative
- Ryan Alvar
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
I had another productive visit to the Minnesota State Capitol today, meeting with Senator Bill Weber and his staff to discuss the urgent need for reform in our family court system. Senator Weber represents District 21, which includes the communities of Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock, and Watonwan counties. I want to sincerely thank him and his team for taking the time to listen. I hope we can work together toward real, meaningful change for Minnesota families.
As I shared with Senator Weber, my mission goes beyond changing laws—I’m also launching an initiative to empower unmarried fathers to take legal steps toward establishing their parental rights by this coming Father's Day.
I’m calling this initiative "Real Dad"—inspired by the definition of real: actually existing, not imagined or supposed. Contrast that with supposed, meaning generally assumed or believed, but not necessarily so. Too many fathers are treated as "supposed" parents by law, even after signing a Recognition of Parentage (ROP). That needs to change.
Why the "Real Dad" Initiative?
Currently in Minnesota, even if an unmarried father signs an ROP, he does not automatically gain legal custody or decision-making rights. He must file a separate custody case—an expensive and often intimidating legal process. Meanwhile, mothers are granted full custody by default, with no additional court steps required. This double standard is not only unfair—it’s unconstitutional.
Until we change the law, we can still take action. I’m encouraging fathers to petition for custody now, with the help of the child’s mother. Filing fees vary by county, but a joint petition with the mother typically costs between $285 and $300.
Let me ask you this: If you needed to pay $300 to secure legal title rights to your new truck, would you hesitate?
Now ask yourself: What father wouldn’t pay $300 to secure his rights to be in his child’s life?
A Call to Mothers
This initiative is also a call to mothers. What greater gift can you give your child—or the father of your child—than the gift of legitimate fatherhood? Support him. Stand beside him. Let’s make Father's Day 2025 a turning point for families across Minnesota.
Subscribe for updates on the Real Dad initiative and other family court reform efforts. With the support of caring legislators and compassionate people like you, we can make a real impact—starting right now.
If you'd like to support this initiative, you can make a donation here:
Thank you for believing in this movement.
Ryan Alvar
