Custody And Support For Unmarried Parents
When parents are not married, questions often come up about custody, child support, and legal rights. Our Bremerton, WA family law lawyer knows that many people assume that being unmarried puts one parent at a disadvantage, but that’s not always the case. Both parents have rights and responsibilities when it comes to raising their children, regardless of their relationship status. We work with unmarried parents who want to protect their role in their child’s life and understand how the law applies to their situation. We have more than 50 years of family law experience, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
Establishing Legal Paternity Matters
For fathers, one of the most important steps is establishing legal paternity. If a child is born outside of marriage, the father does not automatically have legal rights or responsibilities. Signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or seeking a court order is often necessary. Once legal paternity is established, the father gains the right to seek custody or visitation and may also be required to pay child support.
Custody Is Based On The Child’s Best Interests
Just like in divorce cases, custody decisions between unmarried parents are based on what’s best for the child. Courts consider factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, living conditions, work schedules, and the child’s needs. Neither parent has an automatic advantage simply because of gender or marital status.
We often help parents work out parenting plans that include physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes decisions about education, health care, and more). If parents can agree on a plan, it usually leads to a better outcome. If not, the court will decide based on the facts presented.
Child Support Is A Legal Obligation
Both parents are financially responsible for their children. When parents don’t live together, the noncustodial parent usually pays child support to the custodial parent. This support is meant to help cover the child’s everyday needs—such as housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses.
Child support is typically based on income, the number of children, and how much time the child spends with each parent. If circumstances change—like job loss or a significant increase in income—support orders can be reviewed and adjusted through the court.
Communication And Written Agreements Help
Even when parents are on good terms, it’s important to put parenting and support agreements in writing. Informal arrangements can break down quickly if a dispute arises. Courts are more likely to enforce agreements that are clearly documented and approved through legal channels.
We always recommend keeping records of child-related expenses and any payments made or received. If disagreements come up in the future, clear documentation can make a big difference.
What To Do If Problems Arise
If one parent is not following a custody schedule or failing to pay support, legal remedies are available. The court can step in to enforce orders, and penalties may apply for noncompliance. On the other hand, if you’ve been wrongly denied time with your child, it’s important to speak up and pursue legal options to protect your rights.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
Whether you’re just starting the process of establishing custody or need help enforcing a child support order, we’re here to help. At Robinson & Hadeed, we work with unmarried parents who want clear, fair solutions that protect their role in their child’s life. We are serving Tacoma, Kitsap County, Port Orchard, and more, so don’t hesitate to speak with us. If you have questions or need legal guidance, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
