Parenting Time and Child Support for Unmarried Parents
When children are born out of wedlock, there is a presumption under Minnesota law that the mother has sole legal and physical custody absent a court order. To obtain custody or visitation rights, an unmarried father must first go to court and file a paternity action.
At Dwire Law Offices in Lakeville, Minnesota, divorce attorney Todd Dwire offers a free initial consultation to discuss the rights of unmarried fathers to parenting time and the rights of unmarried mothers to child support.
The Rights of Unmarried Fathers
When two people live together and have a child, issues such as child custody and visitation typically don't arise unless and until the relationship breaks up, at which time, the father often finds that he has limited or no access to the children. The only way an unmarried father can obtain visitation or custodial rights is through a court action. Establishing the father of a child can be done by means of DNA testing or by agreement between the parties.
Once you have been adjudicated the father of a child, you have the right to seek parenting time according to a schedule that is regular and enforceable. You may also be obligated to pay child support.
The Rights of Unmarried Mothers
If you are a mom who is seeking child support, you can hire a lawyer to file a paternity action. Once the father of the child has been established by agreement or a DNA test, the court will order child support. The dad may seek custodial and visitation rights at the same time.
Free Lawyer Consultation
To discuss paternity actions with Lakeville MN Divorce Attorney Todd Dwire, call 952-232-0179 or fill out the contact form on this site.
