When a family with minor children splits, the needs of the children can seem insurmountable. Depending on their ages and states of development, they will be grieving the loss of the family unit in a variety of ways. Their needs may be difficult to ascertain, and, in many cases, the parent views their needs differently. In some cases, the parents have a difficult time setting aside their own emotions and staying focused on the needs of the children.

There are many resources available to guide parents through the difficult task of setting up a workable parenting arrangement after separation. There are also resources available for the children to deal with their own emotional turmoil during this difficult adjustment. Help is available and these issues can be resolved. The court generally approaches these issues one at a time, and the arrangement can be changed as the situations change and everyone adjusts to their new lives.

Paternity

A legal proceeding can be filed if you were never married but share a child. The parties to the proceeding are the parents of the child, and the subject matter involves all aspects of the child's upbringing including setting up custody, visitation, and support provisions. This is the type of Petition that is filed to deal with those issues when the parents either no longer cohabitate, or never did and cannot agree on what is best for the child or children. Except that these actions do not address property issues they are otherwise treated in the same manner as a divorce proceeding on those issues.

If you have questions regarding child custody issues, including questions on paternity, please contact me today. I look forward to assisting you.