Every parent has rights and they continue to have those rights even after getting a divorce. If you think that your rights as a parent have been infringed or that your ex is boxing you out when it comes to big decisions about the lives of your children, you need to act. A Tazewell County child custody lawyer from our firm can help.
What Are the Rights of a Parent?
A parent has the right to make important decisions about the lives of their children. This includes decisions about:
- Education
- Religion
- Medical treatments
- Any other significant life events
Parents also have rights concerning physical custody or visitation. No one should be stopping you from spending time with your children. A parent also has disciplinary authority over their children, meaning that they can set reasonable rules and limits on behaviors.
What’s important to note is that these rights are not taken away just because you get a divorce. You can still get joint custody and make important decisions about your child. If you don’t have primary physical custody, you should still have visitation time with your kids.
Can the Rights of a Parent be Taken Away?
There are extreme situations when a parent’s rights can be taken away though. In cases when someone neglects their child or subjects them to abuse, one parent could lose their rights and the other could receive sole custody.
This is because the rights of a parent also come with responsibilities. You are supposed to ensure that:
- You have food and shelter for your child
- Your child is given access to educational opportunities
- Your child receives medical care when needed
- You are supportive of positive relationships between your children and their other parent
- Your child feels safe at home with you
- You are ready to come together with your ex to make decisions that are in the best interests of your children
Can These Rights Be Given Up?
These parental rights can be given up in some situations. A common scenario is when a couple breaks up or divorces and one of them remarries and primarily raises the child from a previous relationship with their new partner. If they want the stepparent to be seen as an official parent in the eyes of the state, they would need to adopt this child. They can only do that when the other parent willingly gives up their status as a parent.
Contact Our Family Lawyers
So if you want to learn more about your rights as a parent and make sure that no one infringes on them, contact Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. Our lawyers can help you address child custody issues, visitation problems, and so much more.
