As an unmarried parent in Arizona, you have legal rights and responsibilities regarding your child, just like married parents. However, navigating the legal landscape of parental rights can be complex, especially when unmarried. Here’s how unmarried parents can protect their rights and ensure their child’s well-being with guidance from an experienced Arizona attorney.
Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is the first step in securing your rights as an unmarried parent. In Arizona, if you’re not married to your child’s other parent at the time of birth, you’ll need to establish legal paternity to assert your rights. This can be done voluntarily through a Paternity Acknowledgment Form signed by both parents or through a court order if there is a dispute about paternity. Once paternity is established, you’ll have the right to seek custody, visitation, and involvement in important decisions regarding your child’s upbringing.
Creating a Parenting Plan
A parenting plan outlines the custody and visitation arrangements for your child and is essential for establishing a clear framework for co-parenting. Even if you and your child’s other parent are on amicable terms, having a formal parenting plan in place can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the road. An experienced Phoenix attorney can help you draft a parenting plan that meets your child’s needs and protects your parental rights.
Navigating Custody and Visitation Disputes
Custody and visitation disputes can be emotionally challenging for unmarried parents. Arizona family courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements and will consider factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to provide a stable environment, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
Seeking Child Support
Unmarried parents have the right to seek child support to help cover the costs of raising their child. Child support calculations in Arizona are based on factors such as each parent’s income, the number of children involved, and the child’s needs.
Contact the Phoenix Family Law Attorneys at Cohen Family Law
As an unmarried parent, it’s essential to understand and assert your legal rights to ensure that your child’s best interests are protected. Whether you’re seeking to establish paternity, create a parenting plan, resolve custody disputes, or seek child support, an experienced Arizona attorney can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to navigate the legal system effectively.
Cohen Family Law is dedicated to assisting individuals with their family law issues. Our team offers comprehensive legal support, guiding you through each step of the process. We encourage you to contact us for a consultation, where we can discuss your situation and explore the best path forward for you.