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LawTip #1 -
LawTip #2 - LawTip #3
Current LawTip:
Question:
My ex-girlfriend and I had a child together. We are no longer in
a relationship. What are my rights?
Answer: Had you and your
girlfriend been married when the child was born, the law would presume
that you were the child's father. You would have enjoyed parental
rights equal to those of the child's mother, until a court said
otherwise. However, because you were not married, your circumstances
are somewhat different.
Your ex-girlfriend is the sole residential parent and legal custodian
of the child. Only she can do such things as enroll the child in
school and make decisions regarding the child's health care. In
fact, you do not have the right to contact the child. In order for
this to change, a court must issue an order establishing your rights
as a parent. A court will not issue such an order until paternity
has been established. The Child Support Enforcement Agency should
assist you in establishing paternity. They should also inform you
of your child support obligation.
It is important to note that your
rights as a parent can range from occasional visitation to a shared
parenting arrangement with the child's mother to full custody of
the child. The court will consider various factors in making its
determination as to the allocation of parental rights. Any time
you are asserting rights as important as parental rights, it is
advisable to consult with an attorney who practices family law.
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