Mamas make the world go ‘round — and I’m not just saying that because I’m a mom now! Although I do have a new appreciation for my mommy friends and, of course, my own mama!
Today we honored our mothers for everything they do, the sacrifices they have made, and all the hard work they put into making us who we are. In celebration of mothers everywhere, I thought a special MoolahLaw post was in order.
Here are my top five legal Do’s & Don’ts for mamas today:
- Do know your legal rights under state law and federal law when it comes to breastfeeding in public, pumping at work, and being excused from jury duty while breastfeeding.
- Do protect your kiddos by having an up-to-date will that names the person(s) you wish to be their legal guardian if something were to happen to you. While you’re at it, make sure your mom has a will. (And your dad.) Too busy to meet with an attorney? Check out an online “virtual law office” like Matrium Law Office to get your estate planning done without any unnecessary hassle or expense.
- Don’t be the victim of illegal housing discrimination because you’re a mom. Refusing to rent to someone because they have kids, or imposing rules only against kids for reasons other than kids’ welfare and safety, is a violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. This is called discrimination based on familial status, and it can land your landlord in hot water.
- Don’t let money problems keep you from the precious little sleep you already get at night. Kids mean extra expenses and oftentimes less income coming in. If you are having a hard time keeping up with bills, you may be dealing with debt collectors, or facing a possible repossession, eviction, or foreclosure. You may have legal rights in dealing with these situations, or you may want to learn more about bankruptcy as a way to get a fresh start for your family. Talk to a private consumer law attorney, check out free consumer law resources on Montana Law Help or contact Montana Legal Services Association to see if you qualify for free legal aid with a consumer law problem.
- Do protect your rights to fair parenting time and child support, if you are no longer in a relationship with your kiddo’s dad. These situations are so tough, and I hope you aren’t in the middle of one right now, but if you are – make sure that any parenting plan and child support order are in the best interests of your child(ren), and that they are fair to you, too. You can find free parenting plan and child support resources on Montana Law Help.
Being a mom is a hard enough job as it is – keep your family safe by making sure your legal rights are protected, and keep up the good work. Happy Mother’s Day!
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Jessie Lundberg is a consumer law attorney in Missoula, Montana, currently working as an Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow with Montana Legal Services Association. When her service term ends in November of 2012, she plans to open Lundberg Law Office and the Consumer Financial Justice Center, specializing in consumer protection litigation and bankruptcy. Read her full bio here.
All opinions stated herein are personal and do not represent the position of any organization or employer.
