Custody Guides for Different Family Members
Fathers:
Paternity and paternity tests
All about paternity and DNA testing. What happens after paternity has been established, and how fathers can protect their rights.
How to get a court-ordered paternity test (and who pays)
Learn what to expect when you're about to have a court-ordered paternity test. Who participates, who pays and what the outcome means for you.
Legal father vs. biological father vs. presumed father
Fathers must have a legal relationship with their children to get custodial rights. Discover the types of fatherhood and the rights that come with them.
Fathers' custody and visitation rights — unwed, unmarried, divorced
Stand up for your rights as a father. Get your fair share of time with your child.
Fathers' rights during pregnancy
Learn what rights one parent has during the other's pregnancy: the right to know about the baby, rights in abortion and financial rights.
Getting a fair custody arrangement: Advice for dads
Despite many states having laws against gender-based rulings, fathers tend to get less custodial time than mothers. If you're a father, here's some advice on how to get your desired timeshare.
What are the chances of a father getting full custody?
The chances of a father getting full custody are higher than ever. Find out your rights as a father and what you can do to prove your case in court.
Family court bias against fathers: Does it still exist?
It's a long-standing debate: Are family courts biased against fathers? Find out about the origins of this belief and how fathers can combat bias in court.
Mothers:
Mom: Empower yourself after a separation
When you're a mom, separating from your spouse or partner isn't easy. However, these five tips for self-empowerment could help you thrive.
Family court bias against mothers: Real or not?
Bias against mothers in family court is often overlooked. If you're a mother, find out how to spot and combat judicial bias in court.
Unmarried parents:
Unmarried parents and child custody
Unmarried parents have custody and visitation rights. You need to stand up for those rights.
Nonbiological parents:
Nonbiological parent custody rights: Father or mother
Nonbiological parents can play an integral role in a child's life, by choice or by necessity. Learn what rights you have and how to get custody.
Second-parent adoption for LGBT and heterosexual couples
Learn about adopting your partner's child: Why it's important, what you'll pay for, what the terms mean and what states allow it.
Stepparents:
Stepparenting with custody issues: Plan effective visitation time
As a stepparent, it's crucial to settle your custody situation to focus your efforts on effective parenting.
Legal considerations for marrying into a stepparenting role
When considering whether or not to marry into a stepparenting role, every situation is different. However, there are a few points of interest that you'll definitely want to put some thought into.
Adoption by a stepparent (with or without consent)
After you marry someone who's a parent, if the other parent isn't around or doesn't improve their behavior, you may be able to adopt their child.
Grandparents:
Grandparents child custody & visitation rights: See your grandkids
Your grandchildren need you. Don't lose them because of a divorce.
Can a grandparent have joint custody with a parent?
Some grandparents and parents work well together to care for a child. These arrangements may be called co-guardianship or joint custody.
Aunts & uncles:
Aunts' and uncles' rights | Child custody and visitation
In some places, aunts and uncles have a right to visits with their nieces and nephews. Learn more, plus your options for legal guardianship or custody.
Siblings:
How to get custody of a sibling | Sibling custody rights
You may be able to get custody of your sibling, depending on where you live. Here are the steps to take and tips for success.