Not everyone is aware that your marital status at the time of your child’s birth affects whether you are legally recognized as the child’s father. When a woman gives birth to a baby, she is automatically considered that baby’s mother. If she happens to be married to a man at the time of the birth, then he is automatically considered the baby’s father. Things become more complicated for an unmarried couple. Certain procedures need to be followed for the father to be recognized as such, and this legal recognition of parentage is of significance later on. If the father is not interested in being legally considered the father, the mother can go through the court to compel him to take a DNA test, thus proving he is the father and making him liable for various parental responsibilities. But if you are the father and you want your parental rights, you can conduct what is called a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, or VAP. If you are a single father who wants to be involved in raising your child, speak with a trustworthy Wheaton, IL paternity rights lawyer who can explain what your options are and offer guidance.
