Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
My baby's father and I are not married. When I was 10 weeks pregnant and told him, he wanted an abortion but I refused. I'm 22 & he's 24. We are no longer together. I'm now 21 weeks pregnant, and I just talked to him on the phone the other day after months of not being in contact. He says if I don't give my baby his last name or let him choose the first name, he is going to sign all his rights over to me if I try to take him to court for child support, and he wont be in the child's life and wont have to do anything at all. I already picked out my son's name and I DEFINATELY will not give him my ex's last name. This is my first child...it' means a lot to me, plus after all he's done he doesn't deserve it. He tried forcing me into abortion when I was 10 weeks pregnant. I'm now 21 weeks. He hasn't asked about my appointments or been in contact with me.. He has a 3 year old daughter with someone else that he pays child support for, and has partial custody of. Is he able to sign over his rights if I take him to court for child support? If he is able to do it, am I I still able to get child support from him? I'm not married or in a relationship. I don't know how much he makes at work or where he is working. I only make minimum wage,.$7.25 an hour and don't know if I'll be returning to my job oncthe baby is born. I'm a housekeeper.I was approved for for stamps and live with family. I
2 Answers from Attorneys
He doesn't have to be in your child's life, he gets to challenge paternity, he will get to pay child support. Since you will qualify for public assistance, the state will assist you in applying for support.
First he can NOT terminate his parental rights and the duty to pay support absent a pending adoption. As for child support he's on the hook till he;the child is 18. Whether he exercises any custody or not. As for finding out where he works and how much he makes not to worry the domestic relations office will find out. And he has to provide health insurance and help pay for day care.
I hate to say it but your child's father sounds very immature and selfish.
{John}