Understanding your legal rights as a father when your child is born out of wedlock

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, but when a child is born outside of marriage, the legal rights of the father can become complicated. In such cases, the father may wonder what his legal rights and responsibilities are, and what steps he needs to take to establish paternity. To help you gain paternity of your child hire a Divorce Attorney Provo Utah, as we do more than just handle divorces.

When a child is born to unmarried parents, the father is not automatically considered the legal father. This means that he does not have any legal rights or responsibilities regarding the child until paternity has been established. In order to establish paternity, the father can sign a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity at the time of the child’s birth. This document legally establishes the father’s paternity and gives him the same legal rights and responsibilities as if the child was born to married parents.

If the father does not sign a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity, he may need to take additional steps to establish paternity. In some cases, the mother may be unwilling to cooperate in the process, in which case the father may need to file a paternity lawsuit. This lawsuit will involve genetic testing to determine whether the father is biologically related to the child.

Once paternity has been established, the father will have legal rights and responsibilities regarding the child. These rights and responsibilities include the right to custody and visitation, the obligation to provide financial support, and the right to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. It is important to note that the father’s legal rights and responsibilities are equal to those of the mother, regardless of whether the parents were married at the time of the child’s birth.

If you are a father seeking to establish paternity, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, advise you on the best course of action, and represent your interests in court if necessary. Trying to handle the legal proceeding of this process is difficult, and getting that much needed legal help can take some stress off your plate. 

It is also worth noting that establishing paternity can have important emotional benefits for both the father and the child. For the father, knowing that he has legal rights and responsibilities can provide a sense of security and stability. For the child, having a legal father can provide a sense of identity and connection to their family. While you do not need to have the title of legal father to be a great father it can give you peace of mind and the ability to take legal action on behalf of your child if the occasion arises.