What is the Children’s Bill of Rights?
In an effort to assist parents with making good choices regarding what should and should not be done concerning children going through a separation or divorce, the Court has created a document known as the Children’s Bill of Rights. It reads as follows:
- The right not to be asked to “choose sides” or be put in a situation where I would have to take sides between my parents.
- The right to be treated as a person and not as a pawn, possession or a negotiating chip.
- The right to freely and privately communicate with both parents.
- The right not to be asked questions by one parent about the other.
- The right not to be a messenger.
- The right to express my feelings.
- The right to adequate visitation with the non-custodial parent which will best serve my needs and wishes.
- The right to love and have a relationship with both parents without being made to feel guilty.
- The right not to hear either parent say anything bad about the other.
- The right to the same educational opportunities and economic support that I would have had if my parents did not divorce.
- The right to have what is in my best interests protected at all times.
- The right to maintain my status as a child and not to take on adult responsibilites for the sake of the parent’s well being.
- The right to request consistent parenting at a time when little in my life seems constant or secure.
- The right to expect healthy relationship modeling, despite the recent events.
- The right to request my parents seek appropriate emotional and social support when needed.
- The right to expect the utmost when taking the time and steps needed to secure a healthy adjustment to the current situation.
While the Children’s Bill of Rights is not always specifically included with divorce agreements, nevertheless it provides a good framework in any case with children of any age.
All of the attorneys at Domers & Bonamassa are well versed and have years of experience addressing family law issues, no matter how complicated. Contact us today at (856) 596-2888 for a private consultation. We appear in the following counties: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Mercer, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May. Our practice areas include: divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, domestic violence, college expenses, equitable distribution, name changes, step parent adoptions, paternity issues, child abuse and neglect, prenuptial agreements, mediation and arbitration.
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