For many, having a child is a deeply personal, fulfilling experience. But it also means taking on a set of legal obligations, both to the child and to the other parent. By the same token, parents are also charged with the well-being and upbringing of another person, so they enjoy special legal rights— unless they have been stripped away or surrendered. While family law varies from state to state, parents in every jurisdiction share certain legal rights and responsibilities.

The Legal Obligations of Parents

Every child in the United States has a right to enjoy the benefits of both parents’ income and resources, so courts will often order a non-custodial parent to pay child support to the other. It is also the parent’s responsibility to provide a basic level of food, health care, and nourishment, as well as a safe and sanitary living environment. While these definitions are often subjective, failure to meet this basic level of care will result in the loss of child custody and even criminal charges in the most serious cases.

A Parent’s Rights

Unless a parent is abusive or neglectful, family law dictates that they have the right to spend time with their children and to participate in important decisions about how they are raised. To protect the rights of parents and their children, courts generally favor shared custody arrangements, giving both parents the ability to influence the direction of their children’s education, health care decisions, education, and religious upbringing.

Family law disputes are delicate, so it’s important to get legal help from a skilled professional who understands the importance of these matters and has built a reputation for providing effective, compassionate legal counsel. Dennis P. Faller, Attorney, is an accomplished Wapakoneta, OH, professional with an in-depth understanding of the law. Check out his website for a full list of his legal services, follow him on Facebook for more tips and insight, or call (419) 738-4578 to discuss your case today.