Single-parent households have been on the rise over the past century, and today, there are approximately 10.9 million single-parent households in the US. Having children with a partner is a meaningful experience. Though people rarely expect to become single parents, it is critical to take steps to protect parental rights if the relationship doesn’t pan out.
One of the most powerful ways to accomplish this is by hiring a parental rights attorney. Read on to learn all about these attorneys and what they do!
Why You Need a Parental Rights Attorney
Many people try to pursue child custody issues without legal representation. This may seem like a good way to save money, but the complexity of the legal system makes it difficult to proceed without an attorney. You may end up spending more money in legal fees and lose a significant amount of time with your children.
Your parental rights attorney knows the ins and outs of family court. They can help come up with a plan of action that best represents you and your child’s needs. Finally, they can ensure that your legal battle doesn’t take a minute longer than absolutely necessary.
Important Factors Considered by the Judge
If you’re fighting for custody, the judge considers a number of different factors to determine who gets custody and how custody works. Your attorney will explain these factors to you and how you can make your case stand out.
Some common factors to think about when preparing to meet with your attorney include how big a role you played in the child’s life before you divorced and your fitness for custody. The judge will also take into consideration the child’s preferences, and where the parents live.
Timelines
The legal system is notoriously slow-moving. That doesn’t mean you have to wait for your case to land before a judge. Your parental rights attorney can help you move your case along by recommending mediation as opposed to a court-based process. Once you have a plan of action, your attorney will give you a rough timeframe for your case.
Create Parenting Plans
You and your family attorney will take some time together to draw up a proposed parenting plan to present to the judge or mediator. This includes a detailed schedule of each parent’s time with the child. It’ll state who has the child on weekends and specific holidays.
If you want to prepare to create a parenting plan with your attorney, take some time to read more about parent time rights before your appointment.
Stand Up for Your Parental Rights!
Having a child with a partner is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s only natural that you’d want to fight to protect your relationship with your children by hiring a parental rights attorney when your relationship dissolves. Your attorney serves as a great source of support, and they will do everything in their power to enforce your rights.
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