Full question:
do i have to tell the father of my unborn baby that he is the dad?
- Category: Paternity
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
Whether to inform the father of your unborn baby about his paternity is a personal choice. However, withholding this information could lead to a paternity suit in the future, where paternity will be revealed in court. If you wish to seek child support from him, this is another factor to consider.
Unmarried fathers have rights and responsibilities similar to those of married fathers. If you and the father are living together but not married, you should take steps to ensure both of you are recognized as legal parents. Both parents can be listed on the birth certificate. If the father is not listed, he may be added later by contacting the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. He can acknowledge paternity by signing a written admission or by filing a civil lawsuit.
Establishing paternity is essential for the father to seek custody or visitation rights. Paternity is the legal acknowledgment of the relationship between a father and child. Parents are legally obligated to support their children, regardless of marital status. If parents cannot agree on child support, the court may intervene and decide the amount.
In most states, a paternity action is a civil lawsuit. Only certain parties can initiate this action, including the mother, the alleged father, or a state agency in cases of child neglect. A child may also file for paternity after reaching the age of majority, often within one to five years.
If a court determines paternity, it can issue a new birth certificate reflecting the father's name if it contradicts the original. Courts do not automatically order paternity tests; they review the petition to decide if testing is warranted. If ordered, the mother, child, and alleged father will be tested at a designated facility. A court's determination of paternity is final and necessary for establishing the child's rights.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.