As a business owner, keeping informed about the finer points of employment law is important. If you're getting ready to hire your first employees, you need to be sure that you understand exactly what you can and cannot do. Don't risk getting yourself into legal trouble by asking the wrong question at the interview or making an off-hand comment that's considered legally unacceptable. I created this site to give you the basics of employment law expectations. I hope that the information here helps you to understand what you should and shouldn't do as you're interviewing and hiring your first staff members.
Irene Robertson
Child custody is a serious issue that affects many families each year. Sometimes child custody issues are resolved amicably. However, there are times when the issue can be complicated, and bitter battles may occur between opposing parties. Some custody cases may even involve individuals seeking custody who are not the biological parents of the minor children. This is why it is important to understand when you should strongly consider having legal representation for a child custody case. The following are circumstances that are serious enough to consider seeking legal counsel:
Religious Differences
Sometimes parents may have different religious beliefs. If one parent believes that the other parent's religious beliefs may negatively impact their child's development, this is an argument that family courts may be willing to hear. However, strong evidence will need to be provided that the religion is detrimental. Simply having different beliefs will likely not be sufficient from a legal standpoint. This is why it is wise to have legal representation. Keep in mind that if you have older children, the family court system may allow them to make their own choice regarding their religion and which parent they would like to reside with.
Residency
Some children are conceived by parents who live in different states. It is also not uncommon for one parent to desire to relocate for personal or business reasons such as new employment. These cases have complicated factors because child custody laws vary from state to state.
Unmarried Parents
When unmarried individuals conceive a child, many issues can arise such as child support and child custody. Most family courts take into consideration what is in the best interest of the children in the cases. Some states require that paternity and legitimization are established prior to considering granting custody. It is possible for joint custody to be ordered in these complex cases.
Non-Biological Parents
Sometimes non-biological parents seek custody. This may happen when a biological parent is unable to take care of a child. For example, one of the biological parents may be deceased or mentally/physically incapacitated. Some cases may involve a stepparent who has raised a non-biological child as their own. Family courts will likely assess what is in the best interest of the child. For example, if the biological parent had been an absentee parent most of the child's life, the court might award custody to the non-biological parent in the case.
An attorney is a good resource to use in child custody cases. A law office like Lynn Jackson Shultz & Lebrun PC has familiarity with the family court system can offer insight on potential outcomes based on the circumstances surrounding your case.