Non-custodial parents may not have physical custody of their child for the majority of the time, but they still have important rights and responsibilities.
Here is what you need to know about what this legal status means for you on a day-to-day basis in terms of your relationship with and role in your child’s life.
- You have the right to see your child regularly. This usually involves setting up a standard visitation schedule with your co-parent that allows you to maintain regular contact with your child. Under the best circumstances, you can collaborate on how best to balance weekends, mid-week visits, holidays, and summer vacation time. If you need the court’s assistance in creating a schedule that is in the best interest of the child, they will do that.
- If your co-parent denies you either reasonable visitation or access to your child, they will be in violation of the court’s order and you may need to seek legal assistance.
- You have the right to speak to your child on the phone; via Zoom or other types of video chats; via email and through other written communications like letters and postcards. Keeping in touch is not only permitted — it is encouraged.
- You have the right to participate in and be informed of important decisions regarding your child’s education, their health (medical and dental decisions), and their religious upbringing. You also have the right to access associated records upon request.
As with every right, there are also responsibilities to being a parent.
- As a non-custodial parent, you are required to make financial contributions to your child’s upbringing. This is accomplished through child support payments made through the state’s payment system. The amount of support is determined based on a formula established by the state. Your payments must be made in full and on time.
- When you have your child during visitations, you have a responsibility to provide them with a safe and appropriate environment and to be there for them emotionally, in a positive and supportive way.
There are many reasons for divorce. Some marriages end amicably and some leave parents as adversaries. Whatever your situation, as a co-parent you are expected to cooperate and communicate with the custodial parent, no matter what your feelings are about them. Doing so is the best way to ensure continued involvement in your child’s life.
If you need assistance navigating any issues surrounding your divorce, we can help. Contact us today to set up a time for us to meet.