Maybe you have conceived a child and you can’t or don’t wish to accept responsibility for his/her care or upbringing after the birth. Maybe your significant other is abusive toward your child, or is addicted to drugs or alcohol and you fear for their safety. What happens if the parent has neglected the child’s needs or has abandoned them? What steps can I take to ensure the wellbeing of my child?
Dealing with child custody issues is never an easy process. It gets even harder when a parent's living situation changes. Sometimes a parent needs to move to a different area for a job opportunity, or for familial obligations. When this happens, the relocation can cause problems for the current child custody order.
The terms guardianship and child custody are often confused. In most scenarios, the two terms are interchangeable. The main difference is in where the order originates. Guardianship orders are issued by a probate court.
In some cases, parents can be held liable for the acts of their children. Generally, this liability only applies during certain ages of the child’s life. When applicable, the parents will become parties to criminal cases or civil lawsuits in lieu of their children.
When going through a divorce, your children are the most important consideration. You need to make arrangements for their care. One option is obtaining legal custody, which means you have the authority to make decisions for your children, including schooling, medical treatment, and other important matters.