Unmarried parents in Connecticut have certain rights and responsibilities related to their children. These rights and responsibilities include:
1. Custody and Visitation: The right to seek custody and visitation arrangements for their child. If the parents cannot agree on a custody and visitation schedule, the court may intervene and make decisions based on the best interests of the child.
2. Child Support: Both parents are legally obligated to provide financial support for their child. The non-custodial parent may be required to pay child support to the custodial parent to help cover the child’s expenses.
3. Healthcare and Education: The right to make decisions regarding their child’s healthcare and education. This includes the ability to authorize medical treatment, enroll the child in school, and participate in parent-teacher conferences.
4. Inheritance Rights: Children born to unmarried parents have inheritance rights in Connecticut. They may be entitled to inherit from their parents’ estates if no will is in place.
5. Parental Rights and Responsibilities: The right to make decisions regarding their child’s upbringing, including religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, and other important decisions.
Unmarried Parents – Connecticut Family Court
It’s important for unmarried parents to establish paternity to ensure that both parents’ rights are protected. This can be done voluntarily by signing a Recognition of Parentage form or through a court order. Establishing paternity also ensures that the child has access to benefits such as Social Security, health insurance, and inheritance rights.If unmarried parents are unable to agree on issues related to custody, visitation, or child support, they may need to seek legal assistance and possibly go to court to resolve these matters. Consulting with a family law attorney who is knowledgeable about Connecticut laws and the Family Court process can help unmarried parents understand their rights and navigate the legal process effectively.
Consultation and Representation
I represent clients in Family Court and all related matters through out Fairfield and New Haven Counties including those who reside in Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich, Shelton, Orange and Milford.
Please email me or call me in Stamford at (203) 356-1475 or in Fairfield at (203) 259-5251 to schedule a consultation regarding unmarried parents rights in Connecticut.