Custody

I'm not sure what state you are in, but in Utah a non custodial parent may NOT claim the child if they are not current on child support. You need to check your individual state. I'm thinking the custodial parent could claim the child if the non custodial parent isn't able to. I don't see why they would allow the exemption to go to waste. It's not like your taking it away from him, just using it because NCP can't.

It is a misconception that a minor can choose with which parent they want to live, regardless of the state in which you live. Even if the child is in their teens, it is the judge who decides. However, during a custody case, the judge will often ask the child which parent they want to live with, and why. But the final decision is still up to the judge after both parents (with their attorneys) present their case in court.

The good reasons are if they are taking drugs, alcohol or are sexually abusive to the children.

A biological father who was married to the mother has specific parental rights unless a court has ruled otherwise . If there is a question/disagreement as to custody, visitation, support, etc. the parent wishing to establish the criteria should file suit in the family court in the state and county where the minor child currently resides. If the couple were not married the law presumes the mother to be the sole custodian of the minor child. If the mother refuses to allow the father his parental rights the father must first establish paternity and then file a lawsuit to attempt to obtain custodial and/or visitation rights if he that is his wish.

There are a few states that have laws which pertain directly to the designation of parental abandonment. The majority of states make such rulings on the individual case circumstances. There is a great deal of difference in abandonment by a parent who is absent from the child's life and the criminal abandonment of a minor child. Having said that, any parent who does not pay child support in accordance with the terms stated in the court order is guilty of a criminal offense and is subject to arrest and incarceration. In addition, said person can have property seized and sold by the court for restitution of the non-support compliance.

I would think you would need to prove it in court. Whatever area you think they are unfit, you will need physical proof, not just hearsay, for example: drug addiction, mental illness, sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment. I would talk to your local Social Services and ask them what steps need to be taken.

Only the state of Texas has that specific law. But, even it has limitations. The basic rule is that a child over age 12 can speak tell the judge their choice. The judge determines the validity of their view. see links

yes,he can even get full custody if you can be proven unfit.

As often as is warranted as long as it does not constitute harassment which is defined by the laws of the state where the order of support was granted. The general rule is not more then twice within 18 months unless there are unusual circumstances, for instance if the obligated parent won the lottery or came into a large amount of money via an inheiritance.

Eighteen. In the later teens the court can listen to what you want and they might agree.

If the minor father has no means of paying child support, then yes his parents could be responsible for that.

Answer2: Sadly the parents could be on the hook especially if the minor child lives with them and has no way to support a baby. Best thing you can do is try to meet with the other grandparents and see what can be done as well as make a visit to Social Services to see what benefits the child may be eligible for.

Generally, if the parents are unmarried the mother has sole custody and control in most states until the father can establish his paternity. Remember, a child's mother can always be identified by medical records. Since the father didn't give birth and he was not legally married at the time of the birth he can establish his paternity through a DNA test. A paternity test can be arranged through the court. Once paternity is established in court, the father can request visitations or custody through the court. If the mother retains physical custody she can request that the court issue a child support order. If the father gets physical custody he can request a child support order.

No.

In the strict legal sense a grandparent (or anyone) cannot take a minor child anywhere without permission from the custodial parent(s) or guardian.

No, but the child can make their wishes known to the court (procedure depends on where the child lives) and custody may be modified based on the same if the child provides a valid and compelling reason why such a modification should be granted.

Only by court order. Whether or not such a petition may be granted depends on state law and whether or not the other parent has rights.

Stepparents are not responsible for their stepchildren. Spouses are not responsible for their spouse's child(ren). However, to collect unpaid support, the State may place liens on real and personal property, including bank accounts, owned by the obligor, even though the spouse is a joint owner.

He needs to, but he could take that money he would pay and put it in an account for the child to help pay for college someday. When the child asks "why didn't daddy help?" He can say "I wanted to, but your mother didn't let me so I saved it for you." ---- the problem with not paying, and through the courts, at any time, she can file a retroactive child support order on you. When she does, it will be based on your two year average income at the time, and not what you're earning now. See related link.

This happened to me once. Tell your dad that you love them both equally, but you feel your mom will need you more than he will. and let him know that you want to see, talk, or spend time with him anytime you can.

The child can't refuse, they are too young to decide for themselves. It's the parents job to make them go and the custodial parent have to follow the court order. If not he/she will get into legal trouble because they will be reported to the court for not following the courts orders. It's better to work together even if you don't get along as parents because getting picked up by the police and taken from the home to the other one is unnecessary and traumatic for the child. As responsible adults you can prevent this and follow the agreement.

unless the court has ordered you pay throughout the childs college (which can age from 21-24) it ceases on the child's 18th birthday, however, if you owe backpay your obligation does not cease until that backpay is met in full regardless of the childs age

Nevada as all other states do not allow a minor child to choose which parent they want to live with. The judge may or may not speak with the child to determine how he or she feels about certain matters, such as school neighborhood, friends, etc. Judges always base custodial decisions on what is in the child's best interest and nothing else.

No. Only parents are granted custody of their children by a court order. You cannot assign custody to a non-parent nor will the court. When a party other than the parent gets "custody" of a child it is done via a guardianship and must be obtained through a court. The person who requests the guardianship is appointed the child's legal guardian, the child is deemed the guardian's ward, and the case will remain under the jurisdiction of the court. There can be no guardian appointed if a parent has custody.

No. Only parents are granted custody of their children by a court order. You cannot assign custody to a non-parent nor will the court. When a party other than the parent gets "custody" of a child it is done via a guardianship and must be obtained through a court. The person who requests the guardianship is appointed the child's legal guardian, the child is deemed the guardian's ward, and the case will remain under the jurisdiction of the court. There can be no guardian appointed if a parent has custody.

No. Only parents are granted custody of their children by a court order. You cannot assign custody to a non-parent nor will the court. When a party other than the parent gets "custody" of a child it is done via a guardianship and must be obtained through a court. The person who requests the guardianship is appointed the child's legal guardian, the child is deemed the guardian's ward, and the case will remain under the jurisdiction of the court. There can be no guardian appointed if a parent has custody.

No. Only parents are granted custody of their children by a court order. You cannot assign custody to a non-parent nor will the court. When a party other than the parent gets "custody" of a child it is done via a guardianship and must be obtained through a court. The person who requests the guardianship is appointed the child's legal guardian, the child is deemed the guardian's ward, and the case will remain under the jurisdiction of the court. There can be no guardian appointed if a parent has custody.