Protecting Your Parental Rights as an Unmarried Father
Hello, my name is Dylan Savage of Wirth Law Office, and I practice out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Today, we are going to be discussing father’s rights when they have not been adjudicated, meaning they have not been legally recognized as the father of minor children or child.
Now, specifically, you only really have to worry about this if you did not conceive the child during a marriage. If you were married at the time that the children were conceived, then you should already be recognized and have parental rights to that child or children.
Rights of Unmarried Fathers
However, if you had that child out of wedlock when you were not married, then you will not have any rights prior to an adjudication. If you’re facing a situation or the potential for a situation where you might not have your kids given over to you for visitation—say, for example, you have a disagreement with your ex-significant other and they are withholding the children—you will want to find an attorney.
Opening a paternity lawsuit is the next step, at which point you will be adjudicated or found to be the father of those minor children. In most cases, the ex-significant other will agree that yes, you are the father, making it a very painless situation, allowing you to move forward with your rights and responsibilities to the minor child or children.
What If They Disagree?
However, if they fight against it, we would then proceed with a paternity test. It is very unlikely that the court would have any issue with that whatsoever. If you found this information useful or believe that this video would help someone else, please visit theoklahomaattorney.com.
Get Legal Help Today
If you are navigating issues regarding paternity and your rights as a father, consider scheduling a low-cost consultation with a Oklahoma City attorney. Call a paternity lawyer in Oklahoma City at 405-888-5400 to discuss your situation and explore your options.
