The issue of parental rights comes up in divorces a lot of the time, but it has definitions outside that specific legal process. Single mothers often have their rights and responsibilities recognized immediately. But fathers who have children out of marriage may need to fight a little harder.
- Is single fatherhood common?
It is certainly more common than it was in 2007 when 18.4% of children were born out of wedlock, a rather old term meaning without their parents’ marriage at the time. Now, the number is 40%, more than twice the earlier rate.
- Why would a court try to prove a single man is the father of a child?
Nebraska and every other state recognize a mother’s right to hold biological fathers to account if they do not acknowledge paternity. This is usually done by a court-ordered paternity test. In the other direction, a father may request the same test to prove paternity in order to claim rights like time spent with the child.
- Why else would a paternity test happen?
A single father may petition for paternity to be legally recognized if the mother dies or is deemed unfit to take care of the child. A court may also do this if a father was suspected of paternity but did not claim it.
- How can a possible father get help proving paternity?
A lawyer can help file a lawsuit to get a court-ordered paternity test. It is often easier to lodge this request with legal help, especially if the man and mother do not have a good relationship. If you’re concerned about your parental rights, find out more today.