Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Paternity rights

My daughter got pregnant, was kicked out by her boyfriend and she and the baby are living with us. We give the dad and his family an open door policy on visiting the baby at our home. The dad has paid $50 per month for the past 3 months toward baby needs. He has shown up to see the baby at our house 4 times. My daughter has taken the baby to his house for the weekend 5 times but is now working weekends and cannot make the trip. The baby is now 3 months old and the dad would like to take her to his house for the weekend. We say she is too young to go anywhere without her mother. The dad wants little to do with my daughter so does not want her to come. He was arrested in November for dealing drugs and was fired from his job. He is now living with his parents; has a job but his car was impounded; he is required to attend several rehabilitation programs. He is starting to threaten her and continually tries to intimidate her. What rights does he have? At what point is it time to take legal action and what should that be? Is my daughter at all obligated to give him visitation? Please advise.


Asked on 4/27/05, 6:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Paternity rights

Who is listed on the birth certificate? If he is listed as the father, he has the full set of parental rights and authority.

You daughter should talk with the county attorney's office about getting a paternity action filed. If he wants to be the father he will join in the action and it will be done quickly, then a parenting plan and support order can be entered.

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Answered on 4/29/05, 2:46 am


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