Men who are not married to the mothers of their children may find themselves in a legally precarious position. They want to maintain their relationships with their children, but they may feel uncertain of their legal rights.
Frequently, unmarried fathers hoping to secure shared custody must first establish paternity. They must either go to court or file paperwork affirming their parentage. There are numerous benefits associated with officially establishing paternity, including the three explained below.
Protection of parental rights
Unmarried fathers typically do not have the right to seek shared custody until they establish their paternity with the state. In scenarios where men want a shared custody order or the right of visitation, establishing paternity with the state is the only way to guarantee those rights. Otherwise, their access to their children may depend on the relationship that they have with the mother.
Rights for the child
When a father establishes paternity, his actions extend rights to the child, not just to him as a parent. The child receives access to the father’s benefits. They also have a right of inheritance under state law that could be difficult for them to assert in probate court without an official relationship.
Access to family history
As children mature, they become more interested in their family history and background. They may need information about their family background before undergoing certain types of medical care, for example. They may also develop a stronger sense of connection to their culture when they know who their father is and therefore what their family history is.
Getting support for private paternity matters can help men be present for their children and make use of their legal rights. Fathers who establish paternity can play active roles in their children’s upbringing.
