Does an unmarried father have the right to custody of his child?

In West Virginia, paternity law states that an unmarried father does not have an automatic right to custody of his child. However, if the father is named on the birth certificate or paternity affidavit, he may have legal standing. This allows the father to obtain a court order to establish custody and visitation rights. The father can also file for parental rights, which will require him to demonstrate that he is a fit parent and that it is in the best interest of the child. In order to do this, he must prove that an ongoing relationship exists between him and the child, that he is able and willing to care for the child, and that he has a stable home environment. If the courts decide that granting custody to the father is the best option for the child, they may grant the father sole or joint custody. Depending on the circumstances, the court may also grant the father visitation rights. This means that he will be able to spend time with the child, even if he doesn’t have custody. In summary, an unmarried father in West Virginia does not have an automatic right to custody of his child, however, he can take legal steps to try and gain custody and visitation rights.

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Does an unmarried father have the right to custody of his child?

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