Custody Issues for Non-Married Parents

Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska Paternity Attorneys

According to recent data, approximately 40 percent of all children born in the United States are born out-of-wedlock. Sometimes, the unmarried parents are in a relationship, but the relationship ends. In other case, the parents may have never been in a committed relationship.

Either way, there is perhaps no more contentious area of Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska than paternity and child custody. When custody and child support issues involve non-married couples, the situation is often murky to most people, leaving parties on both sides frustrated and confused about how to resolve the issue fairly and in the child’s best interests.

The reality is unmarried parents in these cases often end up filing and/or litigating a paternity case under the Uniform Parentage Act. In these cases, courts can determine paternity, child custody related issues and child support. This can result in unmarried parents receiving a parenting plan or custody schedule just like married parents who went through a divorce.

Work to Resolve Tough Child Custody Issues Without Costly Litigation

In some cases involving non-married parents and custody, there is usually a middle ground that can be reached through skillful, resourceful negotiations. In other cases, the case becomes contested (just like a divorce) and the judge has to rule on the matter after a trial.

When it comes to custody matters, many judges expect parties to do everything possible to alleviate animosity and work toward a reasonable solution. Stange Law Firm, PC, has earned respect among legal and social service professionals, and judges know that I put the child’s welfare first. If your case turns out to be contested, Stange Law Firm, PC, can help you as well.

If you are an unmarried parent involved in a child custody dispute, Stange Law Firm, PC is ready to help. We provide advocacy for clients involved in all types of custody matters, including:

  • Paternity and father’s rights issues: Even when the father is on the birth certificate, they still do not have enforceable custody rights. A paternity case can help ensure that happens.
  • Child support issues for non-married parent: By filing a paternity case, the parties can enter an order as to child support.
  • Parenting schedules and enforcement: Through a paternity case, the parents can end up with a parenting plan or custody schedule just like divorcing parents.
  • Contempt and enforcement: After a parenting plan and child support order is put in place, just like divorcing parents, parties have to comply with these judgments and orders.
  • DNA Testing: In some cases, the paternity of the father is in dispute. Through a paternity case, paternity testing can take place to ensure that it is established who is the biological father.

Contact Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska Paternity Lawyers

From our webpage, you can also read articles about family law, view informational videos, seminar videos, listen to our podcast, download our mobile application or view support calculators for Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Some specific articles that you might be interested in are: Missouri bill to expedite unmarried parent custody issues and Many children born to unmarried couples in recent years.

For more information on custody issues for non-married parents, contact our lawyers online or by phone to schedule a consultation at any of our convenient locations.

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Helpful Information On Child Support Matters

On our webpage, we also have pages on various other topics involving support that might be helpful to you, including the pages below and those on our menu:
Missouri child support calculator
If you are looking for a child support estimate in Missouri, we have a sample Form 14 on our webpage that can help give you a general idea in terms of child support numbers for your case.
Illinois child support calculator
If you are interested in obtaining a child support estimate in Illinois, on our webpage, we have a sample Illinois child support calculator. This might be helpful in terms of giving you a general idea of child support in your case.
Kansas child support chart
If you are interested in obtaining a child support estimate in Kansas, we have a simple chart on our webpage. This might be helpful in giving an approximation.
Oklahoma child support chart
If you are interested in obtaining a child support estimate in Oklahoma, we have a simple chart on our webpage. This might be helpful in giving an approximation.
Informational support videos
We have information child support videos from some live seminars that we have hosted on our webpage that you can view.
Child support emancipation
If you are interested in know how child support emancipation works, we have information on our webpage that you can view.
College education and child support
The cost of college and university education can be an important component of child support in divorce and custody cases. Our lawyers can assist if the cost of education is an issue in your case.
Modification of child support
In some cases, the court has issued a child support order. After the passage of time, it might be important to seek a modification where there have been changed circumstances of a substantial and continuing basis. You can discuss this with our lawyers if you think a modification might be appropriate in your case.
Modification of spousal support (alimony/maintenance)
Spousal maintenance can be ordered at the conclusion of a divorce. In some cases, the parties might need to seek a modification and/or termination of a maintenance order. Our lawyers can assist in many instances.
Daycare and child support
In divorce and custody cases where there are young children, the cost of daycare or childcare can be an important issue. Our lawyers can help you work through these issues.
Dependency exemptions
The dependency exemptions can be important for many divorcing parties or unmarried couples. Our lawyers can represent you in these circumstances.
Division of Child Support Enforcement
Many child support matters end up being addressed through state administrative agencies. Our lawyers can help represent you before state child support agencies.
Wage withholding orders and garnishments
In some cases, child support can be paid either through a wage withholding order or garnishment. Our lawyers can help you navigate the process.
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Serving the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, Wichita, Topeka, Tulsa and Beyond in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma

From our webpage, you can also read articles about family law, view informational videos, seminar videos, listen to our podcast, download our mobile application or view support calculators for MissouriIllinois and Kansas.

If you are looking to find and hire a child custody lawyer, contact us online or by phone to schedule a consultation at any of our convenient locations.

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