From Womb To Tomb: Legal Guidelines For Expectant Parents

If you are currently expecting a child, congratulations! While there is a lot to do in preparation for their arrival, having your legal affairs in order is a great place to start. From early childhood to adulthood and beyond, a parent’s job is never complete — so you need to ensure that your children are safe and secure, no matter what happens in life.  

Social scientists believe human development starts from conception and continues until death, coining the phrase “from womb to tomb.” Expectant parents should take a similar approach to their legal affairs, setting up protections for their child prior to birth that will follow them throughout their lifetime. 

How To Prepare For Your Child’s Arrival

Ready to get started, but the baby isn’t here yet? Not to worry — there’s plenty to do before the big day. The sooner you address the following legal concerns, the quicker you can enjoy your little bundle of joy. Here’s what you should consider ahead of time:

The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) And Maternity/Paternity Leave

Each expectant parent should review their employee handbook for information about taking maternity or paternity leave. The rules, regulations, and time off for expectant parents will vary in Arkansas depending upon your employer. 

State employees receive 12 weeks of paid leave, provided that they have worked longer than one year. Individuals can apply for FMLA to preserve their employment, but this 12 week leave is unpaid. The U.S. Department of Labor website has additional information on employment protection following maternity leave. 

From a legal standpoint, there are numerous ways that parental leave can turn sour at your workplace. If you sense trouble, consulting with a business law attorney may help. 

Crafting A Last Will And Testament

When you’re abuzz with excitement for your new arrival, the last thing you want to be thinking about is dying. But it’s very important to make your legal wishes known and to “expect the unexpected” in order to protect your child. 

Outside of the financials, a will should name a guardian for your children in the unforeseeable event of death. Prior to putting their name in your will, you should have a discussion with your proposed guardian to make sure they feel comfortable accepting this responsibility. 

Take a look at what can happen if someone passes away without a will. The impact can be incredibly stressful on your offspring and spouse. 

Navigating Discord With Your Child’s Parent

Having children can change an individual, for better or worse. Regardless of your relationship status, each parent still has a legal obligation to provide financial support for their offspring. 

If your child’s parent is failing to provide, you have two options to pursue support: a family law attorney or the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). While the OCSE will help parents establish paternity and collect child support, their legal scope ends there. A private lawyer can go one step further and fight for fair custody agreements.

Unfortunately, when money is involved, some parents will sue for custody in an attempt to reduce their monthly support payments — not because they want one-on-one time with their child. If you believe that your ex-partner has ulterior motives to avoid financial responsibility and fear they may neglect your children, finding a family law attorney is your best bet. 

Hickey & Hull: The Arkansas Attorneys For Expectant Parents

When you need legal guidance to protect your family, contact the legal team at Hickey & Hull. We’ve helped Arkansas residents across the state with employee rights, estate planning, custody schedules, and other complex legal problems. 

Looking to get started? Start a live chat with our online agent today or call (479) 434-2414 to book your initial consultation!