Life Event: Welcome a Child

Having kids is one of the biggest steps you will ever take. Whether you're welcoming a newborn or an older child into your heart and home there are sure to be surprises along the way. You may think you're prepared for the changes and the chaos that the child will bring. However, do you know what all your legal rights and responsibilities are? Make sure you get the facts about child rearing and pregnancy now so to avoid hassle and confusion later on when you should be spending time with your child.

Employment

• Know under what circumstances being pregnant might affect your ability to be hired for certain types of jobs.
• Get the facts about pregnancy discrimination and know your rights.
• Know how Pregnancy Discrimination Act affects you in regard to health insurance, leave and fringe benefits.
• Understand your rights to COBRA insurance if you are terminated.
• Get the facts about the Family and Medical Leave Act and how it affects you.
• Understand your rights to paternal leave.

Wills

• When adding a child to the family, make sure you either create or update your will.
• Choose a guardian for your child in case something happens to you.

Health and Medical

• Understand the different types of health insurance available.
• Get the facts on appealing health insurance denials.
• Get answers to frequently asked legal questions about the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Insurance Act.
• Be aware that what you tell your doctor may not stay private but have to be reported to your insurance company and may find its way back to your employer.
• Understand your medical privacy rights.
• Make sure your child meets childcare and school immunization requirements.
• Understand the laws regarding immunization.
• Get the facts about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
• Make sure you are up to date on the car and booster seat laws and check out a local safety seat inspection station.

Legal Procedures

• Adoption is an excellent option for many couples, learn what you should know about the process.
• Know what you need to do to establish paternity if need be.
• Get the answers to questions about paternity.