A Mother's Day Celebration of Mothers' Rights
If you haven't gotten some flowers on the way to mom yet, you better hop to it. We all know what being a mother to a family means, and showing our appreciation for our mothers is the least we can do.
But what does being a mother in the legal sense mean? What special rights and additional responsibilities do mothers have under the law? Here's a look at five legal issues mothers face and their rights.
1. 5 Custody, Visitation Tips for Mother's Day
You don't want to be apart from your children any more than necessary. So how do you make sure you have enough time with them this Mother's Day? Building that time into your custody or visitation arrangement ahead of time is your best bet, but it may not be too late to request some extra hours or days this weekend. Just make sure you don't violate an existing agreement without permission.
2. 5 Rights Unmarried Mothers Should Know About
Navigating pregnancy out of wedlock can be a challenge. How much of your medical history or status do you need to share with the other parent? Do they have any say when it comes to an abortion? Should you demand a paternity test, or child support payments? Here's what you need to know.
3. How Can a Mother Lose Custody of Her Child?
For most mothers it would be an absolute nightmare. And while losing custody completely is rare, it does happen. Breaking the law (especially when it comes to drug use, child abuse, or domestic violence) and violating court orders (especially those that pertain to custody or visitation) are just two ways mothers can lose custody.
4. Birth Mother Rights After Child's Adoption
Giving a child up for adoption is usually not an easy decision to make. But with open adoptions and DNA websites, it doesn't seem like you give a child up for good. Your legal rights to contact children after an adoption -- or even rescind the adoption completely -- may depend on state law, and how far along in the adoption process you are.
5. Top 10 Legal Issues for Single Moms
Raising children by yourself is no easy task as it is. And, unfortunately, the legal system doesn't always make it easier. Make sure you know what legal issues to look out for, and how to address them proactively, perhaps with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there!
Related Resources:
- Find Family Law Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- Mother's Day Officially Turns 100: A Legal Timeline (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Hawaii Upholds Rights (and Responsibilities) of Same-Sex Parents (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- 5 Awesome Mom Lawyers (FindLaw's Strategist)