Full Description

As a parent, you have certain rights and responsibilities in the care and upbringing of your children. Sometimes those rights are challenged, and you need to know what to do if that happens.

Unmarried Parents’ Rights (and Responsibilities) contains detailed information on the issues single parents and divorced parents face. It provides a step-by-step guide to taking legal action. This book helps you take control of situations and provide for your children in the best possible way.

Find valuable shortcuts to get to the heart of your matter. Look for:
- Tip boxes on subjects like how courts determine custody, visitation time and child support
- Extensive references to websites, organizations and agencies that can be contacted for information and assistance
- Sample legal forms to speed you through the court process

Being a single parent is hard—Unmarried Parents’ Rights (and Responsibilities) makes it a little easier.

Table of Contents

Introduction -
Chapter 1: Being a Single Parent -
-Four Habits of Highly Effective Single Parents
-What about Your Love Life?
-Three Habits of Highly Responsible Parents Who Date
-Inquiring Little Minds will Want to Know
-Signs Your Child may need More Help than You can Give
-Ask For Help
-Additional Resources
Chapter 2: Parental Responsibilities -
-Your Child’s Misconduct
-Physical Discipline
-Your Child’s Debts
-Custodial vs. Noncustodial Parent Liability
-Duration of Responsibility
Chapter 3: The Legal System and Unmarried Parents -
-Theory vs. Reality
-The Participants
-The Law in Your State
-Legal Research
Chapter 4: Hiring an Attorney -
-Do You Want a Lawyer?
-Selecting an Attorney
-Working with an Attorney
-Firing Your Lawyer
Chapter 5: Court Procedures -
-Legal Forms
-The Complaint or Petition
-Summons
-Supporting Documents
-Filing with the Court Clerk
-Notifying Necessary Parties
-If the Other Parent Filed Against You
Chapter 6: Court Hearings -
-Scheduling Court Hearings
-Preparing Your Case
-Witnesses
-Presenting Your Case
-The Judge’s Decision and Final Order
Chapter 7: Establishing Paternity -
-Paternity Law and Procedure
-Establishing Paternity without a Court Proceeding
-Scientific Tests for Paternity
-Paternity Lawsuits
-Preparing and Filing Legal Forms
-Notifying Necessary Parties
-Preparing for the Hearing
Chapter 8: Custody -
-Custody Law and Procedure
-Coparenting
-Evaluating Your Situation
-Preparing and Filing Legal Forms
-Notifying Necessary Parties
-Preparing for the Hearing
Chapter 9: Visitation -
-Visitation Law and Procedure
-Evaluating Your Situation
-Preparing and Filing Legal Forms
-Notifying Necessary Parties
-The Hearing
-Exercising Your Visitation
Chapter 10: Child Support-
-Child Support Law and Procedure
-Evaluating Your Situation
-Preparing and Filing Legal Forms
-Notifying Necessary Parties
-The Hearing
Chapter 11: Termination of Parental Rights -
-Termination of Parental Rights Law and Procedure
-Preparing and Filing Legal Forms
-Notifying Necessary Parties
-The Hearing
Glossary -
Appendix A: State-by-State Laws -
Appendix B: Sample Forms -
Appendix C: Resources -
Index -
About the Author -

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