rights to an unborn child

[dmilheim]

I have a 17 year old daughter who is pregnant, she does not want the father of the baby involved in the babies life. If she does not put him as the father on the birth certificate - does he have any rights to the baby after she is born? She does not want support from him. Also, would she need to have legal papers drawn up stating that she has sole custody?

 

[ohiogranny]

In most states, an unmarried mom has automatic custody, and the possible dad will have to file in court to prove paternity, ask for his rights (parenting time) and establish child support.

His rights are not automatic. She can't put him on the birth certificate without him signing an acknowledgement of paternity. Father will be listed as unknown or blank.

She does not want support now, but she should know that if she gets state assistance at some point, they will need to contact the possible father to be reimbursed for the money she receives. Paternity will be established. He could at that time decide to file for time with the child. He could do this at any time. She needs to be prepared for that possibility.