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Rights of an Unwed Father? So Confused, Please Help
Okay, my boyfriend and I had been together 2 years, then he got me pregnant. 4 months later he broke up with me (convenient right?). We both have part time jobs, I've had mine a lot longer than he has. Both jobs have benefits like insurance etc.
Since we broke up, he's started drinking (OFTEN), getting drunk every few days. Now he's smoking pot as well, and who knows what else. He's only 17 years old, I'm 19 years old. I haven't been doing drugs or drinking. He came to 2 or 3 doctors appointments with me but other than that hasn't been supportive at all.
When the baby is born, what are his rights? If I don't let him sign as the father, will he have any rights at all? Do I automatically get full custody, or what? And the name, I choose that too right, first, middle and last?
I don't want him around my son at all. I want full custody, considering he's an alcoholic/pothead and obviously is scared of commitment.
He wants to be in the childs life, but I don't want that at all.
Since we broke up, he's started drinking (OFTEN), getting drunk every few days. Now he's smoking pot as well, and who knows what else. He's only 17 years old, I'm 19 years old. I haven't been doing drugs or drinking. He came to 2 or 3 doctors appointments with me but other than that hasn't been supportive at all.
When the baby is born, what are his rights? If I don't let him sign as the father, will he have any rights at all? Do I automatically get full custody, or what? And the name, I choose that too right, first, middle and last?
I don't want him around my son at all. I want full custody, considering he's an alcoholic/pothead and obviously is scared of commitment.
He wants to be in the childs life, but I don't want that at all.
Your best bet is to get in contact with a lawyer. They can go over all the rights and laws with you. Like Annie said there are lots of free or reduced-rate lawyers out there who can help.
If you need free or reduced-rate legal help, call the best law school in your city or area and ask if they have a legal services clinic. You'll get a law student helping you with a law professor (a practicing attorney) supervising what they tell you. They will be able to answer your questions and tell you what you need to do to ensure you are doing everything correctly for the outcome you want.
I'm sorry for your situation. A lot of that depends on where you live and how active he is going to pursue this. Either way you get to determine the child's name, but custody and father's rights are a lot more tricky. I would definitely try to talk to a lawyer if possible. They can give you an idea of things to watch out for and who to talk to if you need more information. Good luck.
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