Gibbons Law Firm: Child Custody Planning Tips for Unmarried Parents

You never know what may happen in life. Not all families are formed after marriage, some start well before marriage. Our child custody lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help you by giving you a few child custody planning tips for unmarried parents in this week's blog. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation regarding your child custody plan, please call Gibbons Law Firm today at (573) 348-2211.

Child Custody Planning Tips for Unmarried Parents

Agree on the last name you give your child.
Since you and your partner are not married, you likely don't have the same last name, so how do you decide on what last name to give your child? Many couples will either give one of their last names to the child or one of their last names can be the child's last name and the other last name can be the child's middle name. The point here is to make sure you both agree on what the child's last name will be.

Make sure that both parents are on the birth certificate.
You'll want to put both your names on the birth certificate. This can ensure that you both have parental rights, such as visitation rights, custody rights, and child support.

Consider adoption if you are married to one of the biological parents.
In some cases, two people will have a baby but choose not to stay together, but then one of those parents will get married and that spouse would like to be a parent. Many times the court will approve of this is they are married and may be more difficult if not.

Be sure to claim your child on your taxes.
It makes the most sense for the parent who has the highest income to claim the child on their taxes.

Know your rights if you and your unmarried partner break up.
If two unmarried, biological parents of a child break up, they both still have the right to pursue custody.

Family Lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope you found this blog helpful. No one person can plan their life out exactly. Family Law deals with issues arising from marriage and other domestic relationships. The cases give rise to matters that include divorce, legal separation, division of assets and liabilities, spousal support, child custody, child support, and other matters. Other related aspects of family law include adoptions, annulments, guardianships, paternity cases, termination of parental rights, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We can help you with all of this and more. Call Gibbons Law Firm today for your free consultation. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Gibbons Law Firm assists clients with all types of family law cases and we would be happy to help you with yours.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.