What legal rights does a father have for a child born out of wedlock?

In the state of California, a father of a child who is born out of wedlock has certain legal rights. Generally, in order for a father to gain legal recognition of paternity, he must either sign a voluntary declaration of paternity or a court order must be issued. Once a father has established legal paternity, they are afforded the same rights as a father of a child born in wedlock. These rights include the right to seek child custody, visitation, and child support. Additionally, the father will have the right to request a name change, inclusion on the birth certificate, and the right to be informed of all legal decisions affecting the child. It is important to note that a father can choose to voluntarily give up their parental rights. This can be a difficult decision to make and should not be done without consulting an attorney. Additionally, a mother may also deny a father’s legal rights to a child. In these cases, it is important for both parties to speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss the best course of action. In conclusion, a father of a child born out of wedlock in California has the same legal rights as any other father in the state. If paternity is established, the father has the right to seek custody, visitation, and child support. It is important for both the mother and father to consult an experienced family law attorney before making any major decisions regarding the child.

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