If a women is pregnant and does not want the father to have any rights, what can she do?
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If a women is pregnant and does not want the father to have any rights, what can she do?
Asked on January 26, 2013 under Family Law, Maryland
Answers:
Paula McGill / Paula J. McGill, Attorney at Law
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I am actually licensed in Maryland and practice in the state.
You didn't state why you don't want the father to stay away from the child. Does he have a criminal history or is he drug abuser? If he falls under these categories, you have a greater chance of obtaining sole custody without visitation.
However, courts want children to have a relationship with both parents. If the father wants to have a relationship and wants to fight in court, with very few exceptions, he will obtain some visitation or even shared custody.
The court looks to the best interest of the child. Both parents should also look to that goal.
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The policy under the laws of all states in this country is to have a child have a relationship with both parents. If the mother wants to make things difficult for the father to have visitation or custody of an unborn child, she can not name the father on the birth certificate. This forces the father to file a petition to determine paternity with the child.
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