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Non-custodial parents: dispelling common myths

In Manhattan Beach, California, a non-custodial mother or father is the parent who does not have physical custody of their child. However, a parent without physical custody can still have legal custody of a child. Numerous non-custodial parents have visitation rights and visit their children frequently. Some people think that non-custodial parents do not pay child support. This concept is only partially true.

Parents who do not want to abide by child support regulations are often referred to as “deadbeats.” Yet many non-custodial parents care about their children and provide them with physical and emotional support. Another commonly misunderstood concept is the idea that non-custodial parents willingly give up physical custody of their children. In this situation, a father may think it is better for the children to live with their mother instead of living in both homes throughout the year.

Another myth is that a non-custodial parent is not the child’s true parent because they do not care for the child on a regular basis. A custodial parent provides the child with food, a roof over their head, clothes, shoes, medicine, vitamins and their education. However, a non-custodial parent does spend time with their child. The non-custodial parent offers their child an alternative place to stay on weekends and takes care of the child during these visits. Accordingly, non-custodial parents do care for their children.

A parent with concerns about their child custody and visitation rights may want to contact a family law attorney for guidance. A lawyer might provide their client with helpful information about how to proceed in a child custody case. When a couple gets divorced, the court must decide whether one or both parents have custodial rights. Setting up an appointment with a divorce lawyer may offer parents the chance to explore legal options.

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