Men going through a change in relationship status often worry about their parental rights. They may worry about whether the end of a relationship is likely to impact the time they spend with their children.
Married men typically understand that custody negotiations are a standard part of divorce proceedings. Unmarried fathers may find it more difficult to understand their parental rights. Technically, neither sex nor marital status diminishes parental rights. However, unmarried fathers do need the state to acknowledge their paternity if they hope to request shared custody.
How can unmarried fathers officially establish paternity?
With voluntary paperwork
Many unmarried couples execute documents at the hospital acknowledging the man’s paternity after the birth of a child. His name then appears on even the earliest versions of the birth certificate. An unmarried father can work with the mother of his child at any point while the child is still a minor to execute paternity acknowledgment paperwork. Once parents complete the necessary documents and submit them to the state, they can amend the existing birth certificate.
With genetic testing
Sometimes, multiple people might potentially be the father of a child. Other times, conflict between the parents prevents the mother from voluntarily acknowledging the father. In such cases, and who believe they are fathers can ask the courts to order genetic testing. A successful genetic test allows a man to request the modification of his child’s birth certificate. He can then request visitation or shared custody after the state acknowledges his parentage.
Learning more about the family courts and the process required to establish paternity can help unmarried fathers make use of their rights. A father can play a critical role in the upbringing of a child, and men who want to participate in their children’s upbringing generally need the state to acknowledge their parentage.