Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

My rights as an unwed mother

I am an eight month pregnant woman. I know who the father is but do not wish to name him on the birth certificate. However, I do have to establish paternity for child support. I want to know who is established as the sole custodian parent. I also want to know if he has any rights to try to take my daughter from me after the paternity test is complete. She will be recieving my last name and have no ties with him if I can help it at all. Am I legally entitled to not list him on the birth certificate and still get child support?


Asked on 7/14/02, 9:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gregg Manes Gregg A. Manes, Esq.

Re: My rights as an unwed mother

You raise quite a few issues. First of all, once the baby receives a name, one can only change it through probate court. At that point you can object. The Court will technically estaablish who the custodial parent is. However, unless your environment is harmful to the child, it is highly unlikely that the Court will take the child away from you. Third, once the paternity is established, he will be entitled to visitation. Then, it will be up to the court to determine visitation. Usually, the Court will have a standard order of visitation. Check the Court where you live.

Gregg Manes

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Answered on 7/15/02, 9:12 pm


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