What rights do I have as a single parent?
January 3, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Hering
Dear family law attorney,
I am reaching out to you because as a single mother, I am currently in a difficult situation and I am not sure about my rights. My name is Katrin Kock and I have two children, aged 6 and 9. A year ago, I separated from my partner and since then I have been taking care of the children on my own. My ex-partner pays child support regularly, but there are ongoing conflicts regarding visitation rights and joint decisions concerning the children.
I am worried about whether I, as a single mother, have enough rights to represent the interests of my children and support them in the best way possible. I wonder if I am allowed to make decisions on my own or if my ex-partner has a say in them. Additionally, I am unsure if I have sole decision-making authority in important matters such as changing schools or medical treatment, or if my ex-partner can also be involved in these decisions.
Could you please explain to me in detail what rights I have as a single mother and how I should proceed to protect the interests of my children? Are there specific laws or regulations that I need to be aware of? I would greatly appreciate your assistance and guidance in this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Katrin Kock
Dear Mrs. Kock,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your rights as a single mother in family law. It is understandable that you may feel uncertain in your situation and are seeking support to best represent the interests of your children.
As a single mother, you have the sole custody and decision-making authority for your children, as long as there is no joint parental custody with the father. This means that you are allowed to make important decisions such as school changes, medical treatments, leisure activities, etc. on your own. Your ex-partner does not have a say in these matters, unless it concerns a particularly important decision that affects the child's well-being.
It is important to mention that since 2013, there has been a legal provision that allows parents to retain joint parental custody even after separation, if it is in the best interest of the child. If you and your ex-partner can reach an agreement and find an amicable solution, you can continue to share responsibility for the children. However, if conflicts arise, you can request a decision from the family court.
In such cases, it is advisable to seek legal advice and consult with an experienced family law attorney. They can help you understand and represent your rights, as well as support you in advocating for your interests. Together, you can develop a strategy to find the best possible solution for your family.
Therefore, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a family law attorney to discuss your situation in more detail and work towards individual solutions. It is also important to have all relevant documents and paperwork ready for a comprehensive consultation.
I hope that my explanation has been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have. I wish you all the best for your future and hope that you can find a good solution for your situation.
Sincerely,
Marcus Hering
Family Law Attorney
