As a teen father, you face significant personal, emotional and legal challenges, according to the American Bar Association Section of Family Law. Although laws and procedures associated with these rights vary somewhat from one state to another, the underlying rights themselves basically are the same no matter where in the United States you happen to live. You enforce these rights based upon whether you are a teen who is a minor or whether you reached the age of adulthood in your state, which is usually 18.
Types
Your basic rights as a teen father include the right to establish paternity. Only in very rare circumstances is a teen father actually married to the birth mother. Other fundamental interests of a teen father include the right to establish custody or visitation with his child, according to "Child Custody A to Z" by Guy J. White.
Legal Status
If you are a teenager who is still a minor, you cannot establish or enforce your rights as a teen father on your own, according to the American Bar Association Section of Family Law. An adult--typically one or both of your parents--takes judicial action to protect your rights as a parent. For example, your parents file a paternity case on your behalf. If you are over the age of majority, meaning you are an adult pursuant to the laws of your state, you can file this case on your own.
Time Frame
Your rights as the father of a child come into existence the moment your baby is born. At that time, you can sign an acknowledgment or affidavit of paternity. Hospitals usually maintain such a form in their maternity wards. Provided the birth mother concurs that you are the father, you accomplish the first hurdle of establishing paternity through this document. If the mother contests your claim of fatherhood, a paternity case is then brought on your behalf by your parents or another guardian or directly by yourself, depending on your actual age.
Effects
The primary effect of asserting your rights as a father is to establish a meaningful relationship with your child. Even in circumstances in which you legally are considered a child yourself, both you and your child benefit through the establishment of close relationship between the two of you.
Expert Assistance
Due to the complexities associated with establishing and enforcing your rights as teen father, seriously consider retaining a lawyer to assist you and your parents or guardian in your case. The American Bar Association maintains resources to assist you in finding a lawyer for hire. In addition, the ABA provides contact information for organizations across the country that provide no-cost legal representation to individuals without the finances to hire a lawyer.
References
- American Bar Association: Section of Family Law
- "Child Custody A to Z"; Guy J. White; 2005
- FindLaw: Family Law Center
