In the United States, the concept of noncustodial parents is relatively unknown and often goes misunderstood. You may have heard it in passing, but you might not have a full understanding of what it means or how it applies in both personal and business settings.
In essence, noncustodial parent refers to a legal status of a parent who is not granted primary physical custody of their child. Generally, the noncustodial parent will continue to retain legal custody, meaning they still have the right to make legal decisions on behalf of the child, but will not be the residence for the child.
Because of the complexities surrounding business and parental responsibility, there are some laws in place to protect the rights of noncustodial parents. For example, some states require noncustodial parents to pay child support which will provide the primary custodian with financial support for their child. Additionally, the noncustodial parent may still have visitation rights to ensure they are able to remain in contact with their child.
As a business professional, it is important to be aware of the legal rights of noncustodial parents. This could be especially important if a parent is seeking employment with a company or if any conflict between a noncustodial parent and the primary custodian arises. Understanding both the legal and personal ramifications of taking on a noncustodial parent is paramount to making wise business decisions.