How can financial responsibilities for an unmarried parent be determined?

If children are born to unmarried parents, they are nevertheless entitled to the same rights and privileges of children born to married parents. If the parents decide to separate, both parties have certain rights and obligations. This is true for child support. Unmarried parents must accept this as part of their duty to the raising of their children. While the issues surrounding such things as child support is the same for married and unmarried parents, there is a crucial difference applicable to determining financial responsibilities. This is paternity.

What Is Paternity

If a decision on child support and unmarried parents is to become legal, the parents have to establish paternity. Paternity indicates who the father is. This is not a requisite for unmarried parents. Some states require the signing of an affidavit or other form stating who is the child’s father. There are also tests. These include:

• Blood Tests
• DNA tests

Financial Relationship Between Child Support And Unmarried Parents

After establishing paternity, the 2 parents can determine an agreement between themselves. If they fail to reach an agreement on such issues as child support, the courts can step in and arrange an agreement for them. The basis of child support and married parents’ responsibilities will rely on various factors e.g. financially stability.

Hiring An Attorney

If you are uncertain about the relationship between child support and unmarried parents, consult an experienced lawyer. He or she can look at the issues of paternity. A qualified attorney will help you and your former partner determine child support and other related rights.