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Family law is complicated, and when it comes to parental rights and responsibilities, the specifics vary from state to state. If you have questions about your legal rights as a parent, turn to The Law Offices of Conti & Levy in Torrington, CT. Their firm practices in a broad range of areas, including educational law, personal injury, and workers’ compensation, and they are passionate about using their family law experience to help clients protect their children’s best interests.

Who Does The Law Consider A Parent?

family lawIn general, a parent is someone who has legal custody of a child. It is worth noting that a child cannot have more than two legal parents at any one time. Also, legal parents have the same rights and responsibilities regardless of if they are biologically related to the child or were appointed by a judge.

What Are A Parent’s Rights?

Parental rights include the right to physical custody, the right to legal custody, the right to pass on property to the child, and the right to inherit property from the child. In general, parents share these rights, but separated or divorced parents may divide them up by their own choice or as ordered by the court. For example, if a couple divorces, one parent may be awarded sole physical custody of the child.

What Are A Parent’s Legal Responsibilities?

By law, parents are required to meet a child’s basic needs, which include food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education. Parents are also required to provide financial support until the child is at least 18 years old or graduates from high school. If the child has special needs, parents may have financial obligations to the child beyond the age of 18.

If you are in the middle of a lengthy custody battle and fear that your rights or responsibilities as a parent may change, The Law Offices of Conti & Levy in Torrington, CT, will help. Visit their website to learn more about their various practice areas, and call (860) 482-4451 to talk to a family law attorney today. 

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