How do I go about getting parental rights as a father?

Answer 1

If you were not married to the mother at the time the baby was concieved you will need to have a dna test done (the mom can give you some trouble with this, so you may need a lawyer) & then go to the court to file for parental rights at which time they will start you on child support paper work etc.

Answer 2

#1. Make sure you have a steady Job - and stay out of trouble with the law.
#2. Dump any seedy friendships you may have if any (dopers, people arrested, etc) and get some decent friends. If you already have friends with honorable character - you're halfway there. You need honest decent folks for character testimony on your behalf
#3. Get a lawyer. Without one you have no parental rights.

If you are a doper and love trouble, I hope you never get parental rights. If you are reasonably decent, keep your nose clean, then I hope and pray you get parental rights.

Don't expect to get custody. Be prepared to accept every other weekend visits with 6-WEEKS visitation in the summer. Be nice with your ex, and NEVER argue in front of the child no matter how hard it may be.., and I know how hard it can be with some exes, trust me. be amiable for your child's sake, and if you love your kid - you will.

If the Child's mother says you are not the father - you will have to pay for a DNA test to prove it - and that will take a court order through your lawyer.

Answer 3

(Of course, every state may have different requirements.)

First and foremost, I would suggest consulting a lawyer, preferably a Family Law Specialist. Each state has their own State Bar website where you can search for attorneys based on their speciality. I recommend calling a few, checking rates and references. You don't always need to hire said lawyer, but can opt for a consult which will probably answer many of the questions you have. What is your current relationship with the mother? Separated, not married, pending divorce, divorced? Your status may affect how difficult it could be to exercise your rights as the Father.

A good FLS will tell you that establishing paternity is rather simple, but receiving paternal rights, like custody or visitation, can be more complicated. The questions you'll need to answer will be about your current relationship to the mother and the child(ren), employment, and character. Money also plays a factor (ie: support, whether child or Spousal). With your discussion with the FLS, you will probably determine whether you need to proceed with legal action (likely, as this will protect your rights in the future).

I don't know where you live, but in California, if you choose to go forth with legal action and represent yourself (In Pro Per), you can find some of the forms you'll need online at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms/ Again, it's best to consult a lawyer as to which forms you'll need and the best way to proceed, but the most likely forms will be a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship, a Response to Petition to Establish Parental Relationship, a Summons, and a Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

Also, please remember that the welfare of the child should come first. Custody battles, if you choose to fight for temporary or partial custody, are never pretty and usually negatively affect the child(ren), whether it seems like it or not. I highly suggest a Child Therapist to work with the child(ren) as these legal proceedings are going on. This is not to say your child(ren) needs therapy or counseling, but I find that it usually helps the child(ren) with an already confusing and difficult situation.

Answer 4

You have to take the mother to court to get parental rights to see your child/children. I know because my parents are divorced. My mom had full custody, but my dad saw me one day during the week and got me every other weekend. That is usually how it works now days. The mother usually get custodial rights and the father gets visitation rights through the courts. The courts rarely give the father the child/children. Sooner you do it the better your child/children will be because every child needs their father in their lives.

Answer 5

Not meaning this to be flippant at all, but in a lot of cases you'd need to get a lawyer. It depends on a lot of things, like your custody agreement (if there is one), whether you were/are married, etc. If you don't have money you might look into Legal Aid/Legal Services in your area. Also, a lot of courts have resources for parents about how to get help with such proceedings. Call and find out.

Answer 6

Well, if you signed the paternity act form at your childs birth, than you are okay. Just call and get a copy and show it to whoever you need to prove you are the dad.

If you don't have that, than things are more complicated. Blood tests, court, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 7

sad to say... the law protects the child... the child 1-5 should be with the mother.... except if the father can prove that the mother is not capable of nurturing the child....... paternal right..... you have to prove that you're the father....................

Answer 8

Marry the mother of your child. Take care of your wife, and provide fatherly love to your child, forever.

Answer 9

money talks, bullshnap walks. get a job, and if you have one use your money on a lawyer....you can motion whatever it it your after into court for free if you don't have the cash... do what you do quick cuz that shorty is growing up without you.

Answer 10

Show proof of paternity.