Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Minor male rights and obligation with an adult pregnant girlfriend
My son was 16, when his 18 yr old girlfriend became pregnant. I want to know what his obligations are while he is still a minor. He is still in school, he wants to be there for the child and support her if it is his. I want to have a paternity test to ensure it is his child before he begins to support it. Do I have the right to demand that since he is still a minor. He wants to give the child his name when she is born, should he wait until he makes certain the child is his? Do I have any say in him putting his name on the birth certificate since he is a minor. The baby is due in October, I just want to make sure he doesn't end up supporting a child when there is a possibility it isn't his. Thanks for your help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Minor male rights and obligation with an adult pregnant girlfriend
The paternity test should be able to be arranged without anyone making demands. It may be necessary to wait a certain period until the child
is old enough for the test to be conducted. This wait could be up to six months although new testing technology many now have obviated the need for such a waiting period.
Once the results are in then plans can go forward
to implement your son's various obligations as well as his rights which are attendant upon fatherhood.