Most often in family law cases where there is a dispute about the father, a paternity test is in order. That way all involved will know with certainty the identity of the biological father. In a majority of cases it's the mother asking the court to establish paternity in order to obtain an order for child support.
Father who gave up parental rights loses custody of child
Family relationships can be complicated, and perhaps none more so than the legal relationship between a father and his child when the biological parents are not married. In many cases, a father may have to establish his paternity of a child in order to preserve his parental rights. Before signing any agreement regarding visitation, custody or parental rights, it is important for Illinois parents to understand all of the legal implications.
Illinois expands child custody requirements
Sometimes, a parent finds it necessary to relocate to a new city. When there is a joint child custody arrangement, and one parent wants to move the child to another state, it can be especially challenging. In an effort to expedite child custody proceedings, Illinois recently enacted legislation that will provide a child-focused approach to cases such as these.
Research points to child custody and attachment connection
New research done by a University of Illinois psychologist and his colleague indicates that there is a link between child custody and attachment. According to the researcher, children are often more securely attached to the parent they live with post-divorce.
New national registry would protect fathers' rights
Today, half of mothers under age 30 are not married when they give birth to their first child, yet the laws regarding a father's rights to the child have not changed with the times. It can be a challenge for a father who desires to be involved in a child's life to legally secure his rights when he has not been married to the child's mother. Two United States senators hope to change that with the Protecting Adoption and Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2013, a bill that they have recently introduced. This bill would create a national registry for fathers specifically for the purpose of assisting those who wish to be responsible fathers and establish their parental rights.
