Legal Issues and Parenting

Answer 1

Parents have a tough job. From deciding what to name your baby to what college to send your child to, the life of a parent is full of difficult decisions. Facing legal issues with your child can be even more difficult. Whether you are single, divorced, married, or widowed, there are a number of legal issues parents might face in everyday life that, while bothersome, can be dealt with rather easily.

One of the biggest legal issues parents face is taking a child out of the country. If you plan to travel with your child but not with the child's other parent, you must obtain written, notarized permission from the other parent. This can be difficult if you are not on good terms with the child's other parent or if you don't want the other parent coming along on the trip. Unfortunately, this is a law designed to protect the rights of both parents and the safety of a child. You also must obtain a passport before traveling out of the country with your child. Both parents must be present to obtain a passport for a minor. If the other parent is unable to attend the appointment to apply for a passport, a notarized letter of permission is not enough. Rather, you will need to obtain a legal document called a Power of Attorney that gives you permission to apply for the passport on behalf of the other parent.

Another common legal problem parents face is the signing of medical consent. Some doctors offices will not allow a patient to be treated unless the parent or guardian is present. If you want to send your child to visit Grandma and Grandpa for the summer or to spend a week at an aunt's house, it's important that you meet with your local lawyer or legal office to obtain a medical Power of Attorney for the child. This enables the temporary caregiver to sign for medical care for your child in the case of a sinus infection, virus, or any other injury that might require medical care.