Parenting occasionally intersects with the law, requiring at least a basic understanding of legal concepts. For example, state laws are just beginning to address cyberbullying and other potential dangers children face on the Internet, while teaching children how to deal with strangers in the real world always has been important to their safety and well-being. The Parenting Legal Tips sub-section of FindLaw's Family Law Center includes articles and resources with useful tips on everything from child tax credits and advice for unmarried parents to adoption and divorce. Other topics include the legality of leaving one's child home alone, how to find decent and affordable childcare, and the federal 529 college savings plan.
Child Protection Training: Self-Protection Skills
Martial arts and other self-protection classes have become a popular means for parents to give their kids some self-protection skills. However, this is probably not enough. Parents should encourage children to trust their own instincts when dangerous situations appear. Use confident body language. One of the best ways to prevent bullying is to be sure your children have a healthy self-esteem and carry themselves with confidence. Being self-confident involves having good posture, walking with a purpose and making eye contact with those around them. By contrast, if children slouch and keep their eyes averted, this makes them a target for bullying. Be sure to work with your children on these techniques. And remind them that even when they do not feel confident, like walking into a crowded lunchroom for the first time, they should walk like they do have
Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
Typically, parents voluntarily terminates their rights when they wish to give the child up for adoption. Termination of parental rights may be voluntary or involuntary. When it comes to voluntary termination of parental rights, the process is quite difficult because children are generally seen to have a right to a parental relationship and, particularly, a right to receive financial support and care from both parents. Two common situations that often lead to requests to terminate parental rights include a parent who wishes to terminate his/her child support or financial obligation for the child; or a parent who desires to have the other parent completely out of their life.
Education Savings Accounts (Coverdell Education Savings Accounts)
A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) allow you to make an annual non-deductible contribution to a specially designated investment trust account. Your account will grow free of federal income taxes, and if all goes well, withdrawals from the account will be completely tax-free as well. You will need to meet certain requirements in the years you wish to make the contributions, and in the years you take withdrawals. Keep in mind, ESA is an investment vehicle targeted to education expenses, not to retirement.
How a Family Law Attorney Can Help You
Consider meeting with a family law attorney in your area if you have additional questions about parenting legal tips. A skilled attorney can offer you useful tips on everything from child tax credits and advice for unmarried parents to adoption and divorce. To understand how the laws of your state apply to your situation, contact a qualified family law attorney in your area.
