The best option will always be mutual agreement.

Options:

1. Quit the activity.

2. Talk to the NCP and work out a schedule that gets the NCP 6 weeks total time (3 and 3, 4 and 2, etc) or some other arrangement. If you can both agree to an alternate schedule, 6 contiguous... View More

You can, I don't think any judge would grant it.

The court may require parents attend at least two hours of parenting class, or, submit to mediation. By the way, the TransParenting course usually assigned in Pulaski County is 4 hours.

If paternity has been established (if not, it will be by the time you are paying child support) you can petition the court for visitation. You'll need to prove several factors, including: you are a fit parent, can care for and nurture the child, provide financial support, etc.

This can be done with a single-parent adoption. It sounds odd but what you do is adopt your own child. This gets rid of the father and his rights. If the father will sign all the documents, we can get this done a few weeks. Fees are between $3ooo and $5ooo depending on what is needed.... View More

Very good with the facts you mentioned.

Jim Hensley

It is nice that you are considering your son's well-being over your self-interest. Lawyers don't see that too often. You have a couple options. The best is to have this man adopt your son. We will need to locate the biological father to sign off on the adoption. There are other... View More

I recommend seeking an attorney for a private adoption.

The preference of the children could be a factor, but it’s less likely when they’re still so young. Child custody is determined by the best interest of the child and there are a list of factors that judges consider. I recommend consulting an attorney to determine your best strategy for getting... View More

Yes, but there may be an exception. It depends on what you’re trying to change and your decree.

It's always complicated when you are being mistreated by the man who should love you and the baby with no conditions. I can only answer some of your questions because the answer depends on a lot of things. Let's see if we can help a bit.

If the child has lived in Arkansas for... View More

It is certainly time for an attorney. You should expect fees between $4500 and $6000. And realize that once DHS has a case, they sort of rule the case. That means they will make recommendations to the Court and the Court usually goes along with it. That being said, you can petition the Court to... View More

You have to file adoption papers. You do not have to be married. You can adopt the children yourselves. Or you can have your significant other adopt them. Expect total costs to be around $4000 to $5000 if you can't find the bio dad. $4000 if he will consent.

Theoretically, yes. Arkansas law specifies that “unpardoned” felons cannot be guardians. Ark. Code Ann. § 28-65-203.

You’ll need to file a petition to establish paternity. A birth certificate alone is not enough. You have no right to the child if you were never married to the child’s mother until you establish paternity. Then you can ask for visitation or custody.

There is nothing needed to get your child to school or for medical intervention. Adoption is an option but so is a power of attorney.

You'll need to file a petition for guardianship with the circuit court of the county where the child lives.

You need to petition for visitation and/or a shared custody arrangement. Paying child support doesn't give you visitation rights. I would suggest contacting an attorney to go over your options.

Thank you for your inquiry. There are a few procedural issues we will need to consider but this is a good time to begin the adoption. Costs are around $4000. Let me know how I might help.

Jim Hensley

501.766.2770

If the mother of the child does not agree to the name change, you will have to petition a court to change the birth certificate. There are several factors that a court will use to determine whether it is in the child's best interest to allow the name change.