"It takes a village to raise a child" is more than an African proverb, and when the village is small and one parent is missing the task becomes even more challenging. Fortunately, being proactive and understanding your rights as a parent will help alleviate any issues that might arise as you take on the role of single parent. Every child has the right to a parent-child relationship with both parents, and all three deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in the relationship.
Establishing Paternity
1. Every child has the right to know both parents and have the father's name appear on the birth certificate. Voluntarily establishing paternity is not expensive and does not have to involve an attorney or attorney fees. Both parents may contact the State Department/Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Central Paternity Registry, or the Department of Community Health and request an Affidavit of Paternity. There may be a small fee for filing this document but it will ensure legal paternity is established.
Paternity Testing
2. Paternity testing is a series of genetic tests used to indicate the likelihood that a man is, or is not the biological father of a child. The most common method used today is DNA testing which are 99.9 percent accurate in determining that a man is not the father. The child can be tested at any age, and the DNA test is obtained by rubbing a cotton tipped swab on the inside of the check or DNA can be extracted from blood or other tissues. The court will determine who will pay for the paternity test. Laboratories performing paternity test should be accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
Financial Security
3. The law requires both parents support their children. This is true even if the pregnancy is unplanned. Children supported by one parent often do not have enough money for their needs. A child support order cannot be established if paternity is not proven.
Survivor & other Benefits
4. Medical and dental insurance may be available through the non-custodial parent's employer, union, or military service. Medical assistance programs may be available through the local and/or state family/child assistance agencies. If something should happen to either parent, the child could qualify for Social Security, pensions, inheritance rights, veterans' benefits and life insurance. Paternity must be established to receive these benefits.
Keep Track of Child Support Information
5. It is imperative that both parents, (the custodial and non-custodial) keep track of parent information, parenting time, (visitations), receipt of child support payments, court ordered or not, names of child support workers, attorney contacts, names of judges/referees, docket/court numbers etc. concerning the child support case. Remember to keep this information in a secure location and let someone you trust know where this information can be found in the event of an emergency.
Detra D. Davis is a writer and Consultant with over 20 years of experience. She is a former Public Health Educator and has taught a number of workshops promoting the importance of establishing paternity and paying child support. Detra may be reached at http://www.supportingourchildren.com or by mail at J. Davis & Associates Publishing, P. O. Box 4935, Cary, North Carolina 27519-4935.
high-end home cleaning Morton Grove ..There are two methods for teaching children to read; whole... Read More
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
Whether we realize it or not we teach our children... Read More
Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More
What makes parenting so challenging at times? One widespread research... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
You know that children can get into trouble. The older... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More
Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
To the untrained eye, it might look like a piece... Read More
I am a dad. I have been now for over... Read More
Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More
As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading... Read More
When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
spring cleaning service Buffalo Grove ..We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More
As our children grow, they will be going to schools... Read More
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dollsThis is the... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Should a parent give a child a tangible reward when... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
The successful preschool idea behind many successful preschool learning centers... Read More
Courage means doing the right thing when it is hard,... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
(Isaiah 11:6 KJV) The wolf also shall dwell with the... Read More
Parenting |