Society views fathers as the family’s providers. They are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the family has enough to not only survive but thrive.
But what if you’re a putative father? Does that mean you can get away with providing child support?
What is a putative father?
A putative father is a man who claims to be the biological father of a child, but he has not yet been legally recognized as such. This lack of legal status means that he has not undergone DNA testing or signed any legal documents confirming his paternity. Until paternity is established, a putative father has limited rights and responsibilities concerning the child.
Establishing paternity
For a putative father to be held financially responsible for child support, his paternity must first be legally established. This can occur through several avenues:
- Voluntary acknowledgment: The father and mother can sign a declaration acknowledging paternity.
- Court order: If there is a paternity dispute, either party can petition the court for a determination, which often involves DNA testing.
Once paternity is legally confirmed, the court can impose child support obligations on the father.
The best interests of the child
Courts often consider the child’s best interests when making decisions about child support. Suppose you find that you’re not the biological father of a child, the court may decide that it’s in the child’s best interest to maintain support.
Supporting a child goes beyond legal obligations. If you care for the child, you may want to provide support even if you remain a putative father. Establishing paternity is important, but your emotional and financial support can make a significant difference in the child’s life.
