Single Parents Pursuing Higher Education Should Seek Out Scholarships And Grants
Some of the people who might benefit the most from a college or university degree are probably also those who believe they are the least likely to have the time, money or energy for it. There are, however, online degree programs – and scholarships that can be applied to them – that might make a college or university degree more of a reality for single parents.
Single parents aren’t alone in their struggle to make ends meet. There are many people these days who find it difficult to survive only on one income; however, there are single parents who struggle to find the time to work in the first place and, when they do, they then have to share that income with a child who needs balanced meals, vitamins and doctor and dental care. These individuals might find scholarships based on financial needs especially suited to their situations.
Grants, like scholarships, also are provided based on financial needs – particularly when they’re offered by government agencies. The federal Pell Grant, one of the best known government grants, is designed for students with extreme financial needs, and some single parents might be among them. To obtain government grants and scholarships, students typically first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online.
Large corporations, professional associations, non-profit foundations and civic and community groups also make scholarships available to those with financial needs. Online college and university courses and online degree programs are offered in a variety of subjects for those interested in applying their scholarships to flexible programs of study. With Internet access, students participating in online courses and online degree programs obtain coursework and file assignments remotely. Read the rest of this entry »
Child Custody Rights and How Parents Should Proceed in Coming to an Arrangement
Child custody is a matter that is typically emotional and highly charged for both parents or guardians and children. In many cases, a child custody lawyer is required in order to help families move towards a rational and effective outcome, focusing primarily on the best interests of the child. Custody laws vary on a state-by-state basis and it is important that parents are aware of these laws, as well as their options for taking legal action to protect their child custody rights. The main goal of determining custody is to decide what is best for the child or children involved, now and in the future. By hiring a child custody attorney, parents can assess their child custody rights and decide how to proceed with winning custody of their child.
Child Custody Laws in the United States
“Child custody” and “guardianship” are legal terms used to define the parameters of the relationships that exist between children and adults, including a parent’s or guardian’s right to make decisions for the child and their duty to care for the child. Unfortunately, the question of custody often arises in proceedings following the dissolution of marriage, annulment, or other legal proceedings in which children are involved. In most cases, state laws dictate that biological parents should make all decisions involved in caring for the child, including determining residence, education, religious upbringing, and health care. The law isn’t involved in these decisions if the parents are married and are listed on the child’s birth certificate. However, when there is a disagreement between parents or guardians about who has the right to make these decisions, such as in a divorce or separation, or if a parent is unfit to make these decisions, then family courts or juvenile courts will determine custody. Child custody becomes an issue most often when parents become divorced or when two parents who were never married become separated. Read the rest of this entry »