You have just as many rights to the child as the mother does even if you are unwed. It is in your best interest to go through the court system and set up a custody agreement.
In New York state, a non-biological father can voluntarily give up his parental rights through a legal process called "adoption by estoppel." This allows a non-biological father who has acted as the child's father to relinquish his rights and responsibilities. However, it is recommended to consult with a family law attorney to navigate the specific circumstances of your situation.
A DNA test can prove if the biological father is actually the father. If it is proven he is the father, then he should have all parental rights as any other parent.
In the state of Illinois, a biological father cannot give up his rights to the mother, but he can sign over his rights to another male. For example, a step father
Marriage by itself does not bring custody rights to non-biological children. Where the children go when the biological mother dies depends on who has custody, whether the non-biological father has adopted the child, whether the biological father wants the child, and on the laws of the state where all of this is happening.
This varies from state to state. step 1 for the bio father would be to sue for paternity; if he does so, he will establish his parental rights and may be responsible for child support as well as have visitation rights, or even be able to sue for custody.
certainly
it depends on the state and how long the biological father has been gone. It is never a bad idea to petition the court to see what happens.
You may attempt to contact the biological father to request he give up his parental rights. If he is willing to do this, any family law attorney can process the paperwork. If you are unable to contact the father, you can petition the courts to terminate his rights as an absentee. Again, a competent family law attorney can process this for you.
Generally, biological and legally adopted children have equal rights of inheritance in most jurisdictions. You can check the law in your state at the related question link.Generally, biological and legally adopted children have equal rights of inheritance in most jurisdictions. You can check the law in your state at the related question link.Generally, biological and legally adopted children have equal rights of inheritance in most jurisdictions. You can check the law in your state at the related question link.Generally, biological and legally adopted children have equal rights of inheritance in most jurisdictions. You can check the law in your state at the related question link.
Once paternity has been established: 1) pay child support; 2) have reasonable visitation
yes
In all U.S. states the biological unwed mother is considered to have sole legal and physical custody of her child. If the biological father wishes to assert his parental rights he must first establish paternity to the child in question and petition the court for visitation privileges or custodial rights. If the mother wishes to pursue child support for the minor child she must show proof of paternity (signed birth certificate, or notarized affidavit for the father). It is the responsibility of the alledged father to prove he is or is not the biological father of the child, regarding custody, visitation and/or obligation of financial support.