Child Custody for Unmarried Couples

When parents divorce, child custody is often one of the most complex issues they need to resolve. When parents who are not married end their relationship, this issue can become even more complicated. Married parents often have assumed legal rights that unmarried parents may not have.

While no one enjoys a breakup, especially one involving children, sometimes it is the best course of action. If you are ending your relationship with your partner and need to determine custody of your children, contact the Boca Raton child custody lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. at 561-353-2800 to learn more about winning custody.

Legal Proceedings

When a married couple divorces, the husband is assumed to be the children’s father unless there is contradicting evidence. However, an unmarried father needs to establish paternity before he will be granted parental rights. This is usually done with a DNA test, although that may not be necessary if both parents are will to sign a legal document concerning the children’s parentage.

Unmarried fathers often need to be proactive in order to gain custody rights of their children. If a father does not take steps to establish paternity and gain full or shared custody, he will often not be granted these rights automatically.

Ultimately, the court will usually act in the best interests of the children. This can mean full custody for the mother or father, or a shared custody arrangement. The court will consider many factors when making this decision, including each parent’s ability to provide all of the support and nurturing a child need.

Contact Us

Child custody for unmarried couples can be a very complex issue. If you are currently trying to gain the custody of your children, the Boca Raton child custody attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. may be able to help you. Contact us by calling 561-353-2800 for more information.