When a man or woman married someone who has children, that person takes on them all of the obligations and duties of a parent. Step parenting can be a big adjustment for someone, especially if they have never had children. On top of this, a step parent may have to deal with child custody issues for the first time. It is understandable and normal for the new parent to be full of questions about different aspect of child custody. Here are some common custody questions and answers.
1. What is a parenting plan? A new spouse may talk about the parenting plan or custody agreement, and the step parent may have questions about it. The parenting plan, also called a custody agreement, are the documents that outline all of the information about child custody. It contains the custody and visitation schedule, the type and terms of custody, a holiday schedule, child support information, parenting provisions, and anything else the parents want included.
2. How can a step parent help in a custody dispute? A step parent may enter a situation where the biological parents are in a custody dispute. If this happens, the new parent can be a good source of information because they view the situation from an outside perspective. There are many ways to answer this question because help can be given in different ways for different situations. One important thing to remember is not to add fuel to the flames. It may be tempting to gain up on the other biological parent with the spouse, but that isn't usually effective.
3. Does a step parent have to pay child support? This question depends on where you live. Most states calculate child support according to what the biological parent makes. Usually the new parent's funds are not considered. However, there are some places where the step parent's income will increase the amount of support. And, there are also some places (mostly in Canada) that will require a step parent to pay child support if the couple divorces. Check your local laws.
4. Can a step parent seek child custody? This questions also depends on where you live. Basically, a parent does't have custody rights over children that aren't biologically theirs--even if they have been with the children a long time. If the new parent becomes so close to the children that they would want to be a custodial parent, they should look into legally adopting the children. This can be a tricky issue because it means the other biological parent must give up parental rights to the child. Also, if child support is being paid, the parent will most likely have custody and visitation rights.
1. What is a parenting plan? A new spouse may talk about the parenting plan or custody agreement, and the step parent may have questions about it. The parenting plan, also called a custody agreement, are the documents that outline all of the information about child custody. It contains the custody and visitation schedule, the type and terms of custody, a holiday schedule, child support information, parenting provisions, and anything else the parents want included.
2. How can a step parent help in a custody dispute? A step parent may enter a situation where the biological parents are in a custody dispute. If this happens, the new parent can be a good source of information because they view the situation from an outside perspective. There are many ways to answer this question because help can be given in different ways for different situations. One important thing to remember is not to add fuel to the flames. It may be tempting to gain up on the other biological parent with the spouse, but that isn't usually effective.
3. Does a step parent have to pay child support? This question depends on where you live. Most states calculate child support according to what the biological parent makes. Usually the new parent's funds are not considered. However, there are some places where the step parent's income will increase the amount of support. And, there are also some places (mostly in Canada) that will require a step parent to pay child support if the couple divorces. Check your local laws.
4. Can a step parent seek child custody? This questions also depends on where you live. Basically, a parent does't have custody rights over children that aren't biologically theirs--even if they have been with the children a long time. If the new parent becomes so close to the children that they would want to be a custodial parent, they should look into legally adopting the children. This can be a tricky issue because it means the other biological parent must give up parental rights to the child. Also, if child support is being paid, the parent will most likely have custody and visitation rights.
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