Navigating Child Car Seat Responsibilities After Divorce
So, your ex wants you to buy an expensive new car seat. Do you have to do it? What is your responsibility, and what can she do about it in court? Hi, I’m Tulsa visitation enforcement attorney Clint Hastings. I practice here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I focus on fathers’ rights, and I’ve been practicing for about 25 years now.
Considerations When Dealing with Car Seats
This issue comes up often with young children. Typically, after the parties split, Mom ends up with the car seat or seats. Dad may not have one, may borrow one from a friend, or pick one up from a relative. Mom then argues it’s not good enough or not safe enough and demands a new one.
So, do you have to buy a brand-new car seat? The first golden rule I’ve learned over the years is this: don’t spend more in attorney’s fees fighting over a car seat than it would cost to just buy one. Too many times, clients dig in on principle, spend hundreds or even thousands in legal fees, and end up worse off than if they had just purchased the seat.
Meeting Safety Standards
All you are legally required to do is have a car seat that meets safety standards and passes muster. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive model, just one that is safe and adequate. There’s a helpful resource called The Car Seat Lady (carseatlady.com), which provides reliable information and reviews to help you choose an appropriate seat. As a dad of twins myself, I spent quite a bit of time there researching options.
Once you have a car seat that is safe and compliant, Mom doesn’t have much of an argument. Beyond that, fighting over which brand or model to buy usually just wastes time and money.
Get Legal Advice Today
Now, if you have questions about your legal responsibilities regarding car seats or other family law issues, give Tulsa men’s child custody attorney Clint Hastings a call at 918-962-0900 for a low-cost consultation. We’ll be glad to help you out. Thanks.
