What rights do I have when acknowledging paternity?
April 18, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Oliver Breitwieser
Dear lawyer,
my name is Heike Bergner and I have a question regarding my rights in relation to a paternity recognition. I recently found out that my ex-partner wants to acknowledge paternity for our child. However, I am unsure about the implications this may have on my rights as a mother.
Currently, I am living alone with my child and taking care of all aspects of parenting, finances, and health. My ex-partner has been only sporadically present and has not taken on any financial responsibility. Now, I am wondering if acknowledging paternity could result in me losing sole decision-making power and what rights my ex-partner would gain as a result.
I am concerned that this could lead to conflicts and am wondering if there are possible solutions to protect my rights as a mother and at the same time find a fair arrangement for all parties involved. I want to ensure that my child continues to be well cared for and protected, without having to give up my decision-making authority as a mother.
Can you please explain to me what rights I have in relation to acknowledging paternity and how I should best handle this situation to safeguard my child's interests and my own rights?
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Heike Bergner
Dear Mrs. Bergner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your rights in relation to a paternity acknowledgment. It is understandable that you are concerned and seeking clarity on the implications of paternity acknowledgment on your rights as a mother. I will try to answer your questions as comprehensively as possible.
First and foremost, it is important to know that paternity acknowledgment is a legal declaration by which a man acknowledges paternity to a child. Through paternity acknowledgment, the father obtains rights and responsibilities towards the child, including the right to visitation and the right to participate in important decisions concerning the child.
In your case, where you have been solely responsible for your child and your ex-partner has not taken on any financial responsibility, paternity acknowledgment could result in your ex-partner acquiring the right to visitation with the child and possibly the right to participate in important decisions. This could indeed lead to conflicts, especially if you have different ideas about the upbringing and care of the child.
However, it is important to emphasize that paternity acknowledgment does not automatically mean that you lose your sole decision-making authority as a mother. As the mother, you still retain custody of your child. Therefore, you can continue to make all important decisions for your child without needing the father's approval.
To avoid conflicts and reach a fair agreement, it may be advisable to discuss your concerns and wishes with your ex-partner. You may be able to come to an agreement that considers the interests of all parties involved. If no agreement is reached, you can also seek legal advice to secure your rights as a mother.
In summary, through paternity acknowledgment, you cannot lose your sole decision-making authority as a mother. You continue to have custody of your child and can make important decisions on your own. However, it is advisable to engage in dialogue with your ex-partner to find a solution that takes into account the interests of your child and your own rights.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Oliver Breitwieser
