A legal action to determine Paternity may be filed by an unmarried mother or by an unmarried father who have minor children together. Through this action, the family law court will determine paternity (or non-paternity if the father is found not to be the biological father of the minor children), and make custody and visitation orders. The family law court may also make child support orders. Children of all ages need a stable home and continuing and frequent contact with their parents. Visitation arrangements may vary depending on the age and developmental needs of the children. Accordingly, the visitation plan should be based on the needs of the children, absent a history of child abuse, habitual use of drugs and/or alcohol. Any parenting plan that is implemented may be revised until the children reach the age of 18, as the children's needs change. A parent should be aware that the law does not have specific rules regarding visitation. Issues involving the children's developmental needs, the age, the relationship of the children with the parent and parent's involvement in the life of the children, practical considerations, the parent's cooperation with the other parent are all interrelated issues that are taken into consideration in devising a parenting plan that best serves the interest of the children.
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