Parenting a Newborn
Tips for the Separated Couple
Jeff J Horn – Family Law Attorney
Parenting a Newborn: Questions & Answers for Unmarried & Separated Parents | Labor, Delivery, Paternity Test, Child Support, Birth Certificate & Grandparents Rights.
Are you the parent of a newborn baby and don‘t know where to start? Get a quick consultation with a family law attorney to answer questions about labor, delivery, paternity tests, child support, birth certificates, and grandparents‘ rights. Understand the best interests of the child when parenting a newborn and how to break the communication ice with a hostile fellow parent. Ensure that the birthing process is healthy and peaceful, and that the father is included in the delivery if needed. Learn more about the rights of the biological parents, paternal grandparents, and how to amend a birth certificate.
Congratulations! You are the parents of a newborn baby. Now what? Unmarried and separated parents face challenges and parenting a newborn. Should parenting plans be in writing? How does child support work? Let’s start with labor, delivery and the questions that arise immediately.
It is Family Court inevitable?
Parenting a newborn’s and intact family is difficult enough. What if the biological parents are broken up? Parenting a newborn with a hostile fellow parent requires attention to many issues.
Topics – family law attorney and parenting a newborn
Questions facing the pregnant mother about parenting a newborn?
Get a quick consultation with a family law attorney.
- Do I have to tell the father when I go into labor?
- Does the father have to be present for delivery?
- Do I have to put the father’s name on the birth certificate?
- I have two consult the father regarding the name of the child? Next.
- Should a paternity test be ordered?
- Am I required to set up arrangements for parenting a newborn?
- Do the father’s parents – paternal grandparents have any rights to demand input on parenting a newborn?
Start with the best interests of the child when parenting a newborn.
Ideally, the child benefits from a harmonious relationship between the parents. Conversely, unmitigated conflict is detrimental to the baby. In all likelihood, reasonable and open communication between parents will serve the baby’s best interests. Likewise, good communication will answer the challenging questions posed here.
Labor and childbirth
The birthing process should be healthy and peaceful. Accordingly, the expecting mother should strive for calm. If calm means having the father at the delivery, then by all means get him there. Conversely, if the relationship is in conflict, there is no obligation to include the birth father in the delivery or recovery room.
Birth certificate
The mother of a newborn is under no obligation to add the father to the birth certificate. Similarly, upon birth, the – the newborn can be named unilaterally. Fortunately amending a birth certificate is not difficult. After the dust settles, by agreement or court order this important paperwork can be amended. If the birth mother names the father, he is preemptively the father.
Paternity test
Fortunately, paternity testing has become ubiquitous. At home tests are available, At-home Paternity Test. The at home test is appropriate for peace of mind. However, for court cases, submit this issue to the court. Invariably, the court will have a referral. Oftentimes, the court may have a mechanism for payment. If the father refuses to cooperate with a court ordered paternity test, it will be presumed that he is the father. immediately, certain rights arise including claiming child support. Court Rule – Paternity Testing
Child custody and best interests of the children
Generally, involve the father in parenting a newborn as soon as possible. Ideally, both parents will be heavily involved in the child. Obviously, making their child feel loved and cared for in the child’s best interests. Separated couples may have significant trust issues. Clearly, improving communication builds trust. Reflexively assuming the worst, makes parenting a newborn emotionally draining and much more difficult. Assume the other parent will be around for a long time. Break the communication ice as quickly as possible. Be open to good surprises.
Paternal grandparents rights
Presently, grandparents rights flow through the rights of the biological parents. Frequently, the parents of a newborn reside with the grandparents. Hence, the grandparents become heavily involved in the baby’s life. To the extent those involvements are positive and nurturing, they should be welcomed. Conversely, toxic and stressful grandparent involvement can be cut off. Remember parents rights come first, after the best interest of the child.
Related – Unmarried Couple Breakup Tips