single dad

I am a single father. I never married my son's mother. Where can I find out what parental rights I have?

what state are you in?

[Gbyte]

You have NO parental rights until a court tells you you do. You need to file for custody/visitation and possibly paternity (if you didn't sign in the hospital). Most use an attorney, some can do it without. A DNA test is never a bad idea....

This will also start child support.

I agree with getting a DNA test. Is your name on the birth certificate?

Understand that if you pursue confirming you're the father and you and the child's mother have a strained relationship, you are in for years of nightmarish stress and heartache.

Unfortunately, father's have no reproductive rights. The only "right" they have is to pay child support to a woman who is rewarded by the family court system for refusing to take accountability for her own actions and to see his child at that woman's whim.

Good luck in what you pursue.

[Gbyte]

Originally Posted by Unregistered Unfortunately, father's have no reproductive rights. The only "right" they have is to pay child support to a woman who is rewarded by the family court system for refusing to take accountability for her own actions and to see his child at that woman's whim.

Lame. Married fathers have the same rights as married mothers. Though married mothers are more likely to retain custody or even primary custody in a shared parenting agreement (being they were usually the primary caretaker before the divorce).

Courts also usually specify schedules - it is not on the womans "whim". And it is not the mothers sole responsibility to pay for the raising of the child. Some women are better than others just as some men are better than others. Can't judge everyone based on one person or one result. It's not black and white.

You (to the last poster) are very bitter - you've obviously "got the shaft". You need to shake off this victim mentality if you ever want to be more than a victim. By dwelling in negativity and anger - your view of how courts act towards fathers becomes a self fullfilling prophecy. Somehow...you have to find a way to enjoy life again and stop hating.

Originally Posted by Gbyte You (to the last poster) are very bitter - you've obviously "got the shaft".

It sounds like you get some sick satisfaction believing this...

Originally Posted by Unregistered what state are you in?

I live in Wisconsin and the baby has my last name. I will gladly pay chld support. I just want to have equal rights to my child and not have to worry about the mother keeping him from m.

How old is the baby?

You need to establish your paternity through DNA test or court order, then set up child support and petition the court for some form of custody or visitation depending on your circumstance

Originally Posted by Gbyte Lame. Married fathers have the same rights as married mothers. Though married mothers are more likely to retain custody or even primary custody in a shared parenting agreement (being they were usually the primary caretaker before the divorce). Courts also usually specify schedules - it is not on the womans "whim". And it is not the mothers sole responsibility to pay for the raising of the child. Some women are better than others just as some men are better than others. Can't judge everyone based on one person or one result. It's not black and white. You (to the last poster) are very bitter - you've obviously "got the shaft". You need to shake off this victim mentality if you ever want to be more than a victim. By dwelling in negativity and anger - your view of how courts act towards fathers becomes a self fullfilling prophecy. Somehow...you have to find a way to enjoy life again and stop hating.

The purpose of this board, I assumed, was to help a person with a problem. It is not about personal attacks aimed at virtual strangers. The mere compulsion to do so reveals much about that person's own psyche. If that is the only way one feels he/she can help around here, perhaps a more constructive hobby (or a therapist) may be in order.

I stand by my earlier post. I feel no need to bolster my position simply because another contributor disagreed with it.

Originally Posted by Unregistered How old is the baby? You need to establish your paternity through DNA test or court order, then set up child support and petition the court for some form of custody or visitation depending on your circumstance

I agree. You might want to contact an attorney in your area who is familiar with family court law for advice specific to your case. If you do not wish to seek custody, then I'm sure an amicable custody arrangement can be reached. Be aware that legal remedy exists for the parent whose custodial rights are being hindered by the other parent, such as not abiding by court ordered visitation or not keeping the other parent apprised of what is going on in the child's life.

I hope yours has an agreeable outcome. Good luck to you.