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On behalf of Mohajer Law Firm, APC posted in child custody and parenting plans on Thursday, May 17, 2018. When couples who have had one or more children together but never married decide to separate, child custody needs to be determined just as it would for parents who are divorcing. Under California law, child custody determinations are made using the same foundational considerations regardless of whether the parents were married. However, if the parents weren’t living together, determining custody “can be complicated for logistical reasons,” according to one Los Angeles attorney. The parent who wasn’t living in the home with the child may have to make significant changes to his or her own home to accommodate a child. That parent may also have a lot to learn about caring for the child’s daily needs. In some cases, a man has only recently learned that he fathered a child and wishes to be part of that child’s life, a situation that often requires guidance from a paternity lawyer in Arcadia. In situations where the father has no prior history with the child, a court may order a “step-up” plan. Under this arrangement, the father receives increasingly more time with the child as he demonstrates his ability to provide adequate care. The good news for California parents who want to be part of their children’s lives, even if they’ve done little if any parenting of them in the past, is that state law encourages relationships between children and responsible, loving parents. It also frowns on parents who withhold a child from another responsible parent or don’t tell a father that he has a child. As in nearly every jurisdiction throughout the country, California courts focus strictly on what is in the best interests of the child when custody decisions must be made. If you are an unmarried parent seeking custody of your child, an experienced family law attorney in Arcadia can provide valuable guidance. To speak with our team about your rights, please reach out through our contact page. Source: Romper, “Who Gets Custody If The Parents Aren’t Married? Experts Explain The Law,” Caroline Shannon-Karasik, accessed May 15, 2018