What non-custodial parents need to know about their rights and responsibilities

Being a non-custodial parent can be a difficult experience. You are still a parent, but you don’t have the same amount of time with your child as you once did. However, it’s important to remember that you still have rights and responsibilities as a parent. Here are some things that non-custodial parents need to know:

Rights:

1. Visitations: As a non-custodial parent, you have the right to visit your child. This includes overnight visits, weekend visits, and holidays. Your visitation rights will be outlined in your parenting agreement or custody order.

2. Communication: You have the right to communicate with your child over the phone, video chat, or email. You should also be informed about your child’s education and medical care.

3. Financial support: You have the responsibility to provide financial support for your child, but you also have the right to know where that money is going. You can request receipts and documentation to ensure that your child’s needs are being met.

4. Decision-making: Depending on your custody agreement, you may still have the right to make important decisions about your child’s life, such as medical care and education.

Responsibilities:

1. Financial support: As mentioned above, you have the responsibility to provide financial support for your child. This will be determined by a child support order.

2. Reliable schedule: Your child needs stability and routine, so it’s important to stick to the visitation schedule as much as possible. This means showing up on time and being consistent.

3. Positive influence: Even though you may not see your child as often as you would like, it’s important to be a positive influence when you do spend time together. This means setting a good example and avoiding negative talk about the other parent.

4. Good communication: As a non-custodial parent, you need to have good communication with the other parent. This means being respectful and keeping them informed about any changes in your schedule, as well as any issues that arise during visits.

In conclusion, being a non-custodial parent can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you still have rights and responsibilities as a parent. By staying informed and involved in your child’s life, you can ensure that your relationship with your child remains strong.