Navigating Single Parenthood

Single parenthood can be a rather daunting and overwhelming prospect. For many, being able to understand and navigate the legal system can become a critical part of ensuring the wellbeing of both the parent and the child. Whether this be navigating child support, exploring custody arrangements, or simply understanding your entitlements.

Often, one of the principle concerns for many single parents is surrounding the custody of the child. Legal rights regarding custody can vary substantially between local laws and states, however, the common rule of the thumb is that courts aim to decide in the best interests of the child. This generally involves reviewing the child’s safety, the parent’s ability to provide, and the emotional bond between the child and each parent. Raising a child independently can also bring a significant financial burden, for those struggling to solely provide, sourcing child support can be one of the biggest worries. Nevertheless, solo parents do have the right to seek financial support from the other parent.

The United States (US) has the highest rate of single parents in the world, in fact almost 1 in 4 households with children are categorised as single parent homes. Many individuals often associate single parents with women, however there is also a large portion of single parent households that are headed by men. In the US, there are roughly 2.4 million single-parent households headed by dads. It is crucial for parents to understand their position and rights, to ensure they are able to successfully advocate for the best possible outcome for their child. There are some recommendations that individuals can follow to best navigate single parenthood.

Make sure to keep comprehensive records of all interactions with the other parent, financial transactions and agreements related to your child’s care. This information could help you to attain a successful outcome in your child’s best interest, with tangible evidence to support your case if required. It is essential for individuals to familiarise themselves with the family laws in their area, a task which can be done easily online, as there are plenty of resources readily available to help individuals.

It is also worth noting that whilst it could be exceedingly beneficial to contact a family law attorney, hiring a private attorney can be exceedingly costly, therefore it is not always possible for individuals to take this route. Alternatively, mediation can offer a less expensive way to resolve disputes and negotiate amicable future arrangements for the child, all done with the assistance of a neutral third party.

As previously mentioned, it is important for solo parents to familiarise themselves with the family laws in their area and what their rights are. Some general entitlements of single parents, include:

Child Tax Credit – is a $2,000 benefit granted to American taxpayers with qualifying children, eligibility is generally dependent upon an individual’s income, the child’s age and how an individual is related to the child, amongst a host of other factors.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – is a program in place to help low-income families with children achieve economic stability and security.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – provides substantial support to low and moderate income workers and families, the less that an individual earns, the larger the credit they are granted.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – is a program that provides food benefits to low-income families, enabling them to afford healthier and more nutritious food.

Childcare Financial Assistance – is a scheme set to help low-income families pay for childcare so that they can work or attend school, the federal government provide the funding to states and regions to make this possible.

Becoming a single parent can definitely seem rather unsettling, however it is important to remember that you are not in this alone, and there are lots of programs out there to help you navigate this time comfortably. The information provided in this newsletter is critical in ensuring that single parents can achieve the best outcome for their children and also a positive outcome for themselves.