Do you ever wish you had a family law attorney on hand to provide guidance on issues such as child custody, child support, visitation, and more? I'm thrilled to announce that here at Single Parents at About.com, we do!
Please welcome Debrina L. Washington. Debrina is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and she runs her own virtual law practice in New York. She's also the mom of an adorable 2-year-old little boy! Learn more about Debrina by reading her bio here on the site.
Debrina's most recent articles include:
- Child Support Modification
- Child Relocation Guidelines
- Win Child Custody
- How to Obtain a Passport for Your Child
Please join me in welcoming Debrina to About.com!
wish I had had this ten years ago! I get no child support because I had no money to get a lawyer to go against an abusive spouse. I felt that I was lucky to get out alive, with all the kids intact. This is a tremendous service for all single parents!
Hi,
My name Is Debbie, your story sounds like my own story
I was In the same cituation as yourself except I only had
one 13 month old at the time, Thnak God. I didn’t have a problem with support. I had a problem getting out a live he was f****** nuts, that’s not even the correct name for him.
hope to hear from you
Debbie
Hi Debrina,
Welcome to the forum! What a great resource for us!!
Also, way to put a better face on the legal system! When I think of a lawer or attorney I think of a middle-aged guy that will only fight for you if you can afford it. It is really great to know that there are people out there who support single parents and are willing to donate their time to help make someone’s lives better! Kudos for you!!
Welcome Debrina,
As there are two sides of every story, I am happy to know that you are coming on board ready to assist us legal issues. I hope to learn and understand more about the laws of divorcing and custody so that I can protect and be happy with our family. Single father with temporarily full custody of child. BTW, read your articles, great tips… thank you
Just wanted to welcome you to the group and as Jennifer said she is grateful you joined us, I have to admit I am too. Thanks for blessing us with your presence and help. Welcome.
Welcome. I have concerns with child support in an interstate case. Do you have any advice as to how to collect in that situation? Thank you.
Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. I’m looking forward to providing assistance, whereever possible.
Hi Wendy,
It shouldn’t be too difficult to have your child support order, acknowledged in another state. You should take the order to the Family Court in your new state and they should be able to help.
Ms. Washington,
I just wanted to let you know that your article about single parents in the military needs a couple of corrections. I can help because I am a single mother in the US Air Force. However, since I belong to the USAF, I can only speak from my experiences with that particular branch, not the rest.
When I got pregnant with my son and the father walked out, I was offered to a way out of the military by my 1st sergeant. This is no longer happening, because too many women have used it as a way out in the past and even though we are force-shaping, this particular ‘out’ is no longer encouraged.
I didn’t take it, as at the time I had very little school, and I hadn’t been in long enough to receive my full GI Bill benefits. That was the only negative thing that has ever been discussed with me regarding my rights as a parent.
However, to ensure that I can commit as both a parent and as a service member, I have to have what is called a Family Care Plan. Both single parents and dual-military parents MUST have these, and while it isn’t mandatory for military-civilian parents, it is encouraged. The purpose of the Family Care Plan is provide backup in case something happens and you are not available to care for your child, whether the reason is deployment, mandatory evacuation, ect.
Each of the people listed on the plan is also given a Special Power of Attorney with specific details so that they can care for your child in your absence. Details like medical care, transportation (sometimes across the country), and loco parentis, to name a few.
To my knowledge, at no time has it been mandatory to give up your rights as a parent in order to join the US Air Force. It is only necessary to ensure your child is cared for while you go to BMT, technical school, and then your child may join you on your tour.
Sincerely,
SrA Bradshaw