Skip to main content

Most Important Laws for New Parents to Know

By Christopher Coble, Esq. on January 09, 2017 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

If you've just become a mother or father for the first time, all of your attention will be focused on your child. And you may not notice just how much the legal world impacts how you are raising your child.

From time off of work to when it's time to go to school, there are perhaps dozens of laws new parents need to know. So here are a few of the most important:

10 Ways the FMLA Can Work for You

As soon as your child arrives, you'll want to spend as much time as possible with your newborn. This means some time off work. Can you get paid time off? How much? This will generally depend on state and local laws, as well as the generosity of your employer, but there are some federal protections as well.

Even stay-at-home moms need to feed their babies while outside of the house. More and more, cities and states are passing breastfeeding protections for public spaces, and private companies are allowing new moms to breastfeed in shops and stores.

Top 5 Child Abuse and Reporting Questions

Child abuse might be the furthest thing from your mind when welcoming a new baby into the world, but there are still things you need to know. Like when does punishing your child turn from discipline to abuse? Who is required to report suspected abuse? And what are your rights as a parent if you're accused of child abuse?

Law in School: Top 9 Student Rights Issues

Your new baby might be a few years from her first day of school, but that doesn't mean you can't be prepared early. From access to education to search and seizure on school grounds, make sure you learn the ins and outs of student rights laws.

5 Biggest Child Support Questions

Whether you're a single parent already or worried about becoming one, knowing your rights when it comes to collecting or paying child support are essential.

We're often so focused on our family we fail to see how the legal system can affect or benefit it. If you have more questions as a new parent, contact an experienced family law attorney near you.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard