Unmarried Couples’ Custody Dispute
What to Do If You Are Unmarried with Children?
If you’re unmarried and facing a family law problem, chances are it’s because you have a child. Unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights as those who are married, which means that fathers might lose child custody and visitation rights, and mothers might lose out on child support.
Why Hire James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates?
At our law offices, we are lawyers who’ve been helping Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and DC residents like you since 1992. We know the major issue an unwed parent faces is always the same: the risk of losing access to his or her child, as well as financial support from the other parent.
About the Legal Challenges for Mothers and Fathers
Getting child custody, visitation, or child support for an unwed parent is a unique challenge in family law. Usually, this centers on paternity. You can read more below to learn what to do, whether you’re a mother or a father.
- Mothers. A single mother recently separated from her partner often needs financial support if she has primary custody of the children. This means that a finding of paternity (proving he is a biological father) is required in order for the court to order and enforce child support payments.
- Fathers. An unmarried father who wants to maintain an active role in his son’s or daughter’s life after separation will generally need a court order establishing visitation and parenting time. Or the father may wish to seek primary custody, depending on the circumstances, which also requires the judge’s approval.
Whether you’re a mother or a father, couples who aren’t married but who have kids will need to consider their legal options when it comes to both financial support and meaningful relationships.
Contact Us
The end of your relationship with your significant other is not the end of your relationship with your kids. Let a family law attorney help you. Call (888) JCLaw-10 or send us an email today. We offer a free evaluation of your case for all prospective clients.
