how does a man who is not the biological father of a child but, has raised the child since birth get rights?
476128
the father would have to sign off his legal rights/ and the mother would have to agree/ and you would have to go to court to adopt the child/ im sure you would have to be married to the mother also
464734
laws very from state to state. i don't think you can collect support after the child was adopted because the father would have to give up his rights. when he did that he relieves his self of past payments due. most men give up there rights as a father to keep from paying child support. but i would check w/ a lawyer to be on the safe side.
109660
You have the right to decide which name the child should have.  However, be aware that if the name has already been given, you would have to go to court to change it and the father has the right to contest any change.
665979
Yes he has the same Parental rights as the mother..... As long as he acknowledged the child as his and by signing the birth certificate and paying support you have proven your rights....
945654
Regardless of what state you currently live in, your husband would have to adopt them.  Then the birth certificate would be ammended to reflect him as their father.
790043
People cannot just give up their parental rights (which is a totally different thing than custodial rights), and they certainly can’t do it just to get out of paying child support.  If they could thousands and thousands of people would be doing this and our welfare system would be overwhelmed (and it already is) with the need for the taxpayers to support children that have been ‘given up’ by the non-custodial parent. \n\nTermination of parental rights has to be approved by a judge.  There are a few states that might allow it IF the father is willing to agree it (but even in those states judges don’t like to do it unless it’s for the purpose of adoption, such as his wife adopting the child), but if Dad doesn’t agree to it, it’s not going to happen.\n\nYour visitation and ‘alienation’ issues are very valid, but they have nothing to do with child support.  As much as I’m sure you don’t want to hear this (based on the amount of legal fees you’ve already paid) you need to talk to a local attorney.
598516
I believe the laws vary in different states.  I do recall reading about a 'would be" dad who fought the abortion his girlfriend was going to have and recall reading about another case where the "would be dad" fought the adoption the mother had planned immediately after birth.  In this case, the father won.  He had not been informed about the pregnancy at all.
482866
A conviction does not automatically curtail parental rights.\nYes, a father who is in jail or prison can petition the court for visits with his child (blood or adopted).\nIf the custodial parent or guardian is unwilling or unable to facilitate such visits, the court can appoint a third party to do so.\nIf the child is under a certain age, the courts may want an independant evaluation to determine whether such visits are in the best interest of the child and if the child over a certain age, the courts will interview the child and give weight to their wishes... not the final say, but their voice will be heard.\nThe exception is that if the conviction was for crimes against a child, the inmate may not have minors visit him in most cases.\n\nEven in prison, a parent is still a parent, with rights.
860529
In my opinion it sounds like a good law. Its may be the womans body, but its the mans sperm. If the father wants to take care of his daughter/son then he should be able to. The woman and man created the baby, not just the woman.
1026264
Of course he's responsible, collecting it is another matter altogether.  First she has to establish paternity, get an order from the court for payment then take it to the DA's office to try to collect.  They should have someone in social services to help her.  Or a self help person at the court.  \n\nAgain, trying to collect if he leaves the country is another matter..
200495
You need to contact the county court or family court in your area.  They can talk you through how to terminate the parental rights of your son's father.  Good luck!
148188
I don't know every state law but, I know that in most states, if the mother/father can prove that she has a home, stable income , and is competent enough to care for the child. She will be the first choice. If she isn't, family will be the next choice. You can pick a legal guardian but, any choice can be challanged in court.
621538
Really depends if you  consider an aborted baby a person on not.\n\nIf you consider an aborted baby a person then different rights should come into the question eg Father, state and child. The power of each of the rights depends on the majority views of the society\n\nIf you consider it to be like sperm then you can do whatever you want with it.
1128469
Usually that happens with his consent.  See if he's willing to sign over his rights.  You also must be married for at least a year, and you're spouse must be willing to adopt the child.
1177951
Leagally, he has rights to see her.  To take her from you, he has to prove you to be unfit.  That can be hard to do.  He will have to pay child support do to the fact that he is, by all rights, her father.  They could issue a paternity test since he name is not on the birth cirtificate but what I would do if I were you is find yourself a real good lawyer right now and get on the right track to securing your and your daughters future.  They would be far more knowledgable in this field and could help you more than strangers.  Everyone will have their own opinion, but it is up to you to do the right thing.
1047720
NO!  legally he is not a parent unless the parents have named him as a 'LEGAL guardian'.
154406
You can ask the court to "release his parental rights".  Then you can have the childs name changed.  But, this also takes away your right to fight for back child support.