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More family matters situations

• I need to establish who the child’s legal parents are Biological connection and legal parentage are related but not interchangeable. A marriage presumption, acknowledgment, adoption, assisted-reproduction law, or court order may matter.
• One parent lives in another state Interstate support rules can allow cooperation between agencies, but the authority to change an existing order needs separate review.
• I cannot afford a lawyer or court filing fees Fee waivers and legal assistance may be available, but they are separate applications and eligibility is not guaranteed.
• We want mediation instead of a fight Mediation can help with some disputes, but a mediator is neutral and does not represent either person.
• I lost my job and cannot afford the support order An income change does not automatically reduce an existing order. Promptly ask about a modification.
• Child protective services contacted my family An agency investigation and a court case are related but distinct. Treat court papers and proposed safety plans seriously.
• Family matters: where to start in NJ, NY and DC Family cases can involve several separate questions: who is a legal parent, where a child lives, when each parent sees the child,…
• A court order seems wrong or circumstances have changed An appeal, reconsideration, clerical correction, and modification serve different purposes and have different deadlines.

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