What rights do unmarried mothers have with regard to child custody?

In Washington, unmarried mothers have certain rights when it comes to child custody. These rights are outlined by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and are based on the notion that a child has a right to a relationship with both parents. Unmarried mothers are generally considered the legal guardians of their child and have the same rights as married mothers. This includes the right to petition the court for physical and legal custody of their child. The court also considers the best interests of the child when making decisions regarding custody. Unmarried mothers are further entitled to the right to have their child support payments modified or reviewed if necessary. In addition, unmarried mothers have the right to receive support from the non-custodial parent if the court finds it in the best interests of the child. The court can also award parenting time to the non-custodial parent. Ultimately, the decision regarding custody rights lies with the court. While unmarried mothers have certain rights, it is important to understand that the court will consider a variety of factors in making its decision. This includes the child’s age, mental and emotional well-being, and other factors. Therefore, it is important for unmarried mothers to seek legal advice when preparing for a child custody hearing.

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What rights do unmarried mothers have with regard to child custody?

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