There are many estranged spouses out there, whose lives have definitely been changed with the decision to go their separate ways. The sudden resumption of a single life is a tricky matter to deal with in itself. And yet, it’s quite a different matter in the aspect of being a parent when you’ve been separated from your spouse.
As a parent, separation from a spouse can be an especially challenging time, as it brings a host of legal, emotional, and logistical considerations into play. Parents may find themselves grappling with questions such as: What rights do I have as a parent? How will custody and visitation be decided? What impact will the separation have on my child’s emotional and psychological well-being?
Unfortunately, many separated parents may be unaware of their legal rights and obligations, which can leave them feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. This lack of knowledge can have serious consequences, both for the parents themselves and for their children.
In this context, it’s important for separated parents to educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities, and to work with a qualified legal professional who can provide guidance and support. By doing so, parents can help ensure that they are able to maintain a positive relationship with their children, even in the midst of a separation or divorce, and that their children are able to thrive and grow in a stable and loving environment.
That being said, some of the biggest parental rights that separated parents may be unaware of include:
The right to make decisions about your child’s upbringing
Even if you don’t have physical custody of your child, you may still have the right to make important decisions about their education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. This can include decisions about medical treatments, school choice, and extracurricular activities.
The right to access your child’s records
As a parent, you have the right to access your child’s educational and medical records, even if you don’t have physical custody of your child. You have the right to have a hand in deciding what happens to your child, and you can do a better job as a parent if you have visibility on your child’s records.
The right to receive child support
In many jurisdictions, both parents have an obligation to financially support their child, and the non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent. There are surely cases wherein a parent is not providing enough support when they should be giving more, as dictated by law.
The right to visitation
Even if you don’t have physical custody of your child, you may still have the right to visitation or parenting time. This can be worked out through a parenting plan or custody agreement, or may be ordered by a court. If you believe that a custody or visitation decision is not in the best interests of your child, you may have the right to challenge that decision in court.
It’s important to note that parental rights can be complex. Therefore, if you are a separated parent and have concerns about your parental rights, it’s always best to consult with a qualified legal professional like Reffor for guidance and support.
