Kansas reality TV fans are likely familiar with the show, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.” One of the stars of the show, Khloe Kardashian, has been facing child custody issues regarding her daughter and the child’s biological father, NBA star Tristan Thompson, to whom Kardashian has never been married. The relationship status between a newborn’s parents impacts child-related issues such as legal and physical custody.
Kardashian was unmarried when she gave birth to her daughter, which meant she automatically gained sole legal and physical custody of the child. Legal custody pertains to decisions made on behalf of the child. A parent with sole legal custody typically has full discretion to make important life decisions regarding the a child’s health, schooling, faith, etc.
Physical custody, on the other hand, pertains to where the child lives. Unmarried, biological fathers first have to establish paternity before asking the court to grant custody or to issue an order regarding visitation or child support. A parent of a child born in Kansas will want to seek clarification about all child custody, visitation and support laws in this state before submitting any type of request in court.
Child custody situations can be quite complex, especially if parents disagree about what may or may not be in a child’s best interests. If a Kansas parent believes a co-parent is trying to impede his or her child/parent relationship, he or she can reach out for legal support to protect his or her parental rights. An experienced family law attorney would be a great asset to have on hand in such circumstances.
