We have all heard the adage that "nothing is set in stone," and yet we often assume that the law is an exception to that rule. While the law does have a lot of long-lasting structure, it must change with society. Child custody and support laws are constantly looked at as society trends and views begin to shift.

When once most children were born to a married mother and father, the definition of a family has significantly broadened over the years. In fact, of all of the children born today, over half of the births occur outside of marriage. In the mid 1990s, one third of children were born outside of marriage. Now, the total number of children born outside of marriage is at 41 percent for women of all ages and 53 percent for women under the age of 30.

A single parent is often more in need of legal structure for their child's life. Some parents want to ensure that they have sole custody of the child or need a child support order.

Everyone knows that in terms of simple biology, it takes a mother and a father to make a baby. Yet, as more and more young women have children outside of marriage, it is also leaving more and more fathers without defined rights to their children. Paternity can be presumed in a marriage, but fathers outside of the marriage must establish paternity before being able to enforce child custody and visitation rights.

Whatever your definition of a family is, it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney. Defining legal rights and obligations for children not only eliminates confusion, but protects both the child and the parent into the future.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, "Cultural shift: Single moms a new normal," Jason DeParle, Feb. 18, 2012