Rights and Responsibilities of a Parent
Either party has the right to request a genetic test to determine if the alleged father is the biological father of the child.
- The alleged father has the right to consult an attorney before signing an acknowledgement of paternity.
- If the alleged father does not acknowledge the child, the mother has the right to file a paternity suit to establish paternity.
- After the alleged father signs an acknowledgement of paternity, he has the right to pursue visitation with the child and the right to petition for custody.
- Once an acknowledgement of paternity is signed, the father may be obligated to provide child support for the child.
- Once an acknowledgement of paternity is signed, the child will have inheritance rights and any rights afforded children born in wedlock.
- A party who executed a notarial act of acknowledgement may rescind the act, without cause, before the earlier of the following:
- Sixty days after the signing of the act, in a court hearing for the limited purpose of rescinding the acknowledgment.
- A court hearing relating to the child, including a child support proceeding, in which the father is involved.
Thereafter, the acknowledgement of paternity may be voided only upon proof, by clear and convincing evidence, that such act was induced by fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact, or that the father is not the biological father.
Benefits for Your Child
It will be easier for your child to receive benefits such as dependent or survivor’s benefits from the Veteran’s Administration or from the Social Security Administration as well as share any estate should you die.
Every child has the right to know his or her mother and father and benefit from a relationship with both parents.
Both of your names will appear on the child’s birth certificate.
It will be easier for your child to learn medical histories of both parents and to benefit from health care coverage available to you.