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The Law and Single Moms

The Law and Single Moms. What can the law do for single moms and what are the law’s limitations?. The Law and Single Moms. Challenges of being a single mom. How the law can help with those challenges. A. Custody B. Child Support C . Family Court Legal help IV. Limitations of the law.

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The Law and Single Moms

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  1. The Law and Single Moms What can the law do for single moms and what are the law’s limitations?

  2. The Law and Single Moms • Challenges of being a single mom. • How the law can help with those challenges. A. Custody B. Child Support C. Family Court • Legal help IV. Limitations of the law

  3. Challenges of being a single parent A baby is going to CHANGE YOUR WORLD!

  4. Some changes are exciting

  5. Some changes are challenging IT CAN BE TOUGH TO BE A PARENT!!! • Crying • Lack of sleep • Feeding, clothing, changing diapers - Safety of child

  6. You will be responsible to take care of your child S.C. Code section 63-7-10: “Parents have the primary responsibility for and are the primary resource for their children.”

  7. How can the law help? • Custody • Child Support • Family Court

  8. Custody • Custody generally with unmarried mother – but there are exceptions. • Biological father generally has visitation rights. • Paternity actions – can be used to establish father’s obligations to child. IV. De facto custodian – be aware of this concept and the possibility of giving certain legal rights to non-parents.

  9. Child Support If you have custody, the father still has a legal obligation to support the child. Child support is generally based upon: 1. Gross income of both father and mother 2. Number of children 3. Number of other child of each party 4. Health insurance and health care costs 5. Child care costs

  10. Family Court Family Court has jurisdiction over: • Custody • Child Support • Adoption • Termination of parental rights • Protective orders • Restraining orders • Generally most anything relating to children

  11. Family Court If a Family Court Order is not obeyed, the Family Court can hold the offending party in contempt: • Jail • Fine • Community service

  12. Family Court Guardian ad litem • Involved in cases involving children • Role is to represent the best interests of the minor children

  13. Legal Help • Attorneys • Department of Social Services • SC Bar

  14. Limitations of the Law • Limitations on enforcement of child support payments • Limitations on the Court’s ability to hear cases and protect parties • In emergencies, call 911

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