Most people say that they have two parents, but a new bill signed by the governor of California declares that a child can have more than two legal parents in the work of non-traditional families. According to the Los Angeles Times, children in California are now permitted to have more than two legal parents listed on their birth certificate and responsible for their care and upbringing. Some conservative groups tried to contest the new law, claiming that it is an attack on the traditional family. A San Francisco Senator says that he authored the measure to address the changes that are being made in family structure in California.

With the re-introduction of gay marriage in California, there are more and more situations where a child may have three legal parents. For example, a homosexual couple may choose to have a child with the assistance of an opposite-sex parent that is technically blood-related to the child as a result. The new law will clarify and simplify many laws about custody and financial responsibility for those that are raising a child. Now, three or more parents can be listed as the legal parents of the child. This way, they will not need to fight for custody.

The senator who authored the bill says that the court needs to recognize the changes in family dynamics so that adults can play a central role in loving and caring for their children without having to encounter legal complications. The bill was sparked by a reaction to a 2011 court decision involving a lesbian couple that ended their relationship. One of the women was impregnated by a man before the women resumed their relationship together. When the child was born, the two women got into a fight. One woman was sent to the hospital, and the other was put in jail. The daughter was sent to foster care and her biological father was not allowed to take custody of her.

Because of this case, the government determined that legal action needed to be taken to show couples how to deal with situations of this nature. Some argued that the additional parents could actually complicate some custody orders and make divorces excessively complicated as there will be other parties involved in the custody orders. The measure was opposed in the Legislature by the conservative Capitol Resource Institute, which called it detrimental to children.

This particular group argued that children thrive in their homes with biological parents, or with adoptive parents. They believe that the multiple parents' rules will confuse children and make it difficult for them to determine what a traditional family is. The governor vetoed a bill of similar nature last year. If you are dealing with a complicated custody situation involving more than two parents and a child, then this law may be a benefit to you. If you live in a state other than California, this ruling may be worth citing in your case so that the courts can discuss whether or not they would like to implement similar measures in your state.

With more and more untraditional families in the United States, it is necessary for courts to modify their laws to keep up with family lifestyles. This may require laws like this California one that will assist those that are working through their family differences. Also, if you have step-parent issues, adoption issues, or another sort of child custody debate that you are currently working through, don't hesitate to contact a lawyer right away to learn more about your case! Use this directory to find a family attorney near you!