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When a child is born to an unmarried
father, it is extremely important that he take the necessary steps to protect
his rights. It is presumed in Illinois that the husband is the legal father
of the child born to a married woman. However, automatic legal rights are not given
to the biological father when a child is born to an unmarried woman, even if
the relationship between the mother and father has been long-term. Only by
legally establishing paternity may a biological father seek custody or visitation
rights.
Legal
Paternity Must be Established
Establishing paternity should be
done as soon as possible after the birth of the child. Under Illinois law,
there are three ways in which an unmarried father can establish legal
paternity.
If unmarried parties are in
agreement on paternity of the child, both parents may sign a Voluntary
Acknowledgement of Paternity. This is a legal document that may be provided to
the parents for signature when the child is born. This form is also available
online or from the Department of Human Services, Child Support Services, or
from the County Clerk’s office. The Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity is
the simplest method of establishing paternity that is recognized in Illinois.
However, it requires both parties’ agreement.
Alternately, if the parties do not
agree, either may choose to retain a family law attorney and involve the court
in establishing paternity. The legal process may take time, and DNA testing may
be required, however, in some cases it is the only alternative.
Finally, paternity must be
established prior to a mother seeking child support, and The Department of Health
Care and Family Services' Child Support Services office may initiate a
paternity case in situations when a child’s mother is attempting to secure
public benefits on behalf of her child.
Seeking
Custody or Visitation
Establishing paternity is a
necessary first step toward seeking custody or visitation, however, legal
paternity does not assume these rights. A
child’s mother is presumed to have legal custody in Illinois if the child has
been living with her, and a father’s attempt to exercise rights without the
appropriate legal documents in place may be faced with additional legal issues.
For a father, as soon as his child is born, establishing custody and visitation
rights must be a high priority.
Once legal paternity has been
established, a father should research and retain a family law attorney with
experience in cases involving custody, visitation, child support and other
related issues. An attorney will work
with the father to create a parentage agreement, which is a legal document
setting forth the obligations and rights of each parent.
Ideally, parents will be able to
agree on the terms of the parentage agreement. In cases where the parents
cannot agree, the court may need to be involved, and a judge will consider what
is in the best interest of the child when deciding upon an arrangement.
Understanding your rights and the
process involved in protecting them is an unmarried father’s first step toward
securing his relationship with his child. A father’s role is proven critical in
a child’s development, and being a positive presence and providing support for a
child is any parent’s responsibility and privilege.