Child Custody...?

Question

I know each case is different but in general what rights does the father have to his child if he was never married to the mother? He is on the birth certificate. We have never lived with each other. Would he be entitled to overnights? I am not going to deny my daughter her father, I haven't contacted a lawyer but just was curious what it would "look like" if we did pursue a custody case with a lawyer. Again, I know each case is different but I am justt looking to see if anyone has been through this situation and what was the outcome and what is the general idea of it all. Btw, she is 11 months. Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

If he is on the birth certificate he should be paying child support, if he is he does have rights to see his daughter, however I doubt they would let her stay overnight right away. That could be traumatic for a little baby, expecially if she has never seen him before. If he isnt paying child support then I dont think he is in any position to ask for something you are not comfortable with.

Answer 2

If he's paying child support, and is the legal father, he probably has rights for XX weeks a year or something.

Answer 3

you need to go to court and get for a lawful custody agreement, I dont know how it is were you live but were I'm at if a parent has the child and they decided that they want custody that person has the right to keep the child until you get at least a temp agreement, so if you think he is going to try and keep her, be careful!   Good luck!