FAQ

 Split child custody arrangements are a fairly unusual type of arrangement in which parents have different custodial rights for different children. There are several situations in which this may be appropriate. Perhaps each parent has his or her own biological children from an earlier marriage. Children may need to live in different locations for school or other obligations, or may have special needs that are better cared for by one parent.

If you are married to the child’s mother, you have equal parental rights in the eyes of the law. However, unmarried fathers are at a serious disadvantage in family law matters. Without a court order, single fathers have no parental rights. Talk to an attorney to learn more about your options and take steps to secure the time you deserve with your child.

It is important to remember that child support exists for the benefit of the child, not for either parent. There are some situations in which parents share parenting time equally and a zero dollar child support order is appropriate. More often, however, one parent spends more time with the child and the other pays a proportionate amount of child support.

We understand that it is frustrating when your former spouse does not meet his or her support obligations, but withholding time with the child is not the answer. Support and custody arrangements are completely separate issues and should not be confused. If you need help enforcing a child support order, a lawyer can help.